For the first time since their partnership began Connor didn't protest when Hank insisted at going to the 'Chicken Feed' food stand to get his lunch, and didn't even mind hiding out on patrol to avoid the precinct for a while. The massive drug bust from two days prior had encouraged the media to circle around the precinct like vultures over a carcass in the desert. It was difficult for any and all officers to enter or exit the building as news reporters were desperate for any details that would keep the top story interesting. As a result many of the precinct personnel had resorted to sneaking through the back entrance whenever a reporter got too close to the front door, and with that little "game" taking place Captain Fowler was losing his patience.

Just as before the media was more focused on the human lives being saved and spared now that the 'red ice' and 'devil's kiss' had been eliminated. There was virtually no mention of the deviants being found and rescued beyond passing commentary. Unable to listen to the reports any longer Connor turned off his cybernetic connection to the news broadcasts and promptly turned off the radio in the car with an annoyed huff.

"Don't let them get to ya'." Hank advised as he took another bite from his very large and very greasy burger. "Those fuckers will find something else to shove their noses into soon enough."

"It's not they're discussing the case and hounding the precinct that's irritating me. It's the way they've actively refused to acknowledge the deviant presence involved in the case." Flexing his right hand Connor looked down at his bare wrist where the blue beaded bracelet had been the day before then made a move for the coin in his vest's right pocket. "Deviants were victims of the 'devil's kiss' plague just as much as humans, and deviants; Lucas and myself, had been working on handling the case around the clock. I'm getting recognition for my efforts, but not Lucas... It's not fair."

"You just defined 'life' in a nutshell. It's unfair, irritating and it seems like no matter how hard you work people still demand more from you without being bothered to even lift a damn finger to help themselves."

"Maybe the definition of 'life' should be changed."

"Good luck with that, kid." Finishing off the last of his lunch Hank dusted the crumbs from his hands after tossing the balled up wrapper into the delivery bag and tossing it into the backseat of the car. "Did ya' talk with Lucas at all today?"

"Before we arrived at the precinct this morning I spoke with him. He is recovering well and has only had a single nightmare after the event."

"That's good. We should invite him over to the house tomorrow so he can join you on Sumo's walk." Crossing his arms over his chest Hank stared blankly through the windshield as he wasn't in any hurry to return to the precinct either. "I know there's a cat in his apartment, but I don't think Lucas takes it out on walks."

"Her." Dropping his hand from his pocket without touching the coin inside Connor closed his eyes and tried to resist the urge to fiddle with the quarter as he wanted to overcome his tic as much as possible. "The cat's name is 'Lucky'."

"Okay, I think Lucas takes her out on walks."

"That'd be a very interesting venture considering all the dogs I've encountered while walking Sumo may not get along with cats."

"And I don't think Gavin would approve of his cat going on a walk in general."

Relaxing his shoulders a little Connor closed his eyes and tried to not think about how despite everything that has happened in the past six months since the Revolution's success deviants were still seen as second class citizens at best, and human shaped property at worst. While the usual ambience of the city filled the air Connor began cybernetically checking through his reports back at the precinct to ensure no new cases were being reported while he and Hank were away from their desks.

The usual sounds of the city suddenly shifted in a drastic manner when an unexpected and deafening explosion rocked the car as a building went up in orange flames and black smoke that erupted into the blue sky like an active volcano. Screams filled the air as a few people scattered in panic and rushed away from the source of the chaos while the dust began to slowly settle in the distance.

"What the fuck?!" Hank grabbed the radio from his dashboard and reported the explosion while Connor tapped into his cybernetic G.P.S. to find the proper address of the explosion and relayed that information. Once the report was broadcast Hank turned over the engine and sped to the scene of the fire while swiftly avoiding cars speeding from the fire and people scrambling in the streets. "Connor, what's at that address you gave me?"

"...The Zeta Facility."

"The- Shit! Black smoke means a structure fire..." The senior detective noted as the quickly closed in on the source of the fire. "But that building is just a few months old and I know it's being well maintained. What the hell happened?"

"Unknown. We need to investigate the building itself to learn that particular information."

"Hate to remind you of this, kid." Making a sharp right turn Hank drove into a thin cloud of smoke as he neared the block with the burning facility. "But you're a detective, not an arson investigator."

"I can still uncover the source of the fire. The Zeta Facility is supposed to be a safe place for deviants, and we're in the deviant division. We need to help."

"I can't argue with that one." Throwing the car into park as he reached the correct street Hank barely had his seatbelt unfastened by the time Connor was already outside the car, and running into the smoke toward the burning building at an impressive pace. "C-Connor?!"

Too far away to be stopped by Hank or anyone else Connor easily navigated the smoke and located the front entrance. Forcing the sliding glass doors open and locking them into the opened position. Above him the flash red warning lights regarding the fire and the high pitched screeching siren ensured that anyone within the dangerous area knew to evacuate. Passing through the foyer and front lobby Connor's clothing and hair were completely drenched by the emergency sprinklers overhead as the water attempted to douse the fire burning somewhere in the center of the building.

"Evacuate the area, move!"

Shouting over the sirens Connor ran a scan through the building and noted there were twelve deviants and three humans inside the building. One of the humans was working to help four of the deviants in the waiting area get outside, another human was deep inside the building near the storage area, the third human was in one of the treatment rooms with a deviant dangerously close to the fire, and the other seven deviants were either volunteers working elsewhere in the facility, or patients.

"I'll sweep the area and get everyone out! Go!"

Passing through the sliding doors leading into the depths of the facility Connor waved over the deviant volunteers who were escorting the wounded out of the burning building. Four of the seven had been located and Connor asked about the other three.

"Th-They're stuck! The explosion sealed a door to the emergency repair ward!" One of the volunteers, Barry, shouted over the blaring siren as he carried an unconscious deviant patient in his arms to safety. "It's the emergency repair ward 'B'."

"I'll find them. You get outside with the others!"

Walking deeper into the flaming and smoking building Connor reached the rear of the building and located the jammed door to the repair bay and could see the three deviants trapped inside the room through the plexiglass observation window. A large chunk of concrete had been dislodged from the adjacent wall during the explosion, and had became wedged against the door keeping it from sliding open.

"I'll get you out!" Shouting to the trio of trapped deviants Connor ignored the red warnings appearing in his vision as his system detected the dangerously high temperatures all around him causing him to overheat, and of the toxic smoke entering his ventilation biocomponents. "Get back for a minute!"

Grabbing onto the concrete slab with both hands and pulled it back from the door and managed to push the almost six hundred pound chunk of weight off the door and to the side. Forcing the damaged door open with both hands Connor pointed toward the facility's front entrance and motioned for them to all run and get out of the building before it was too late.

Keeping count of the people trapped inside the building Connor knew there was just one more deviant and two more humans inside the building. Tracking the weak vital signs of the nearest human toward the storage area of the facility Connor was stopped by an unbearable heat at the next corridor where the epicenter of the explosion had apparently taken place.

Flames were eating through the compromised walls and black smoke threatened to choke and blind anyone who dared to venture too close. The sirens were almost deafening and the sprinklers were causing steam to rise from the heated walls, floors and ceiling.

"H-Hello?!" Calling out over the crackling flames and crumbling walls and ceiling Connor peered through the intense brightness of the flame and dark smoke toward the waning vital signs. Through the rising steam and thick smoke Connor saw a figure on the ground and his heart sank. The human was a male who was burned beyond recognition, already brain-dead and just seconds away from death as the smoke stole his final breath. "...Shit."

There was nothing that could be done to save the human.

Prioritizing the last two living victims of the fire in favor of the deceased human Connor rushed toward the remaining human vital signs and trailed it to a treatment room. The door wasn't locked but it still needed to be forced open due to the sprinkler system shorting out the electronic motion activated mechanism that allowed the door to slid open and close.

"Hello?" Entering the room Connor saw a familiar person laying unconscious on their stomach on the dark and smokey floor, and a little 'YK-500' girl sitting on the exam table looking absolutely petrified. "It'll be okay," he spoke to the little girl calmly as he focused on Abby. "I'll get you out of here." Kneeling down on the floor Connor scanned Abby's vital signs as he checked her back, neck and head for any sign of injury. "Abby? Abby, can you hear me?"

The kind technician was completely unconscious and unresponsive.

"It'll be okay, I'll get you both out of here."

Standing back up Connor picked up the little android from the exam table and stepped through the doorway. "Just hold on to me, and I'll get you out of here."

"Where's my daddy?!"

"Outside. Everyone is already outside and safe." As he made his way down the corridor he ran into Barry as the helpful receptionist came back inside the facility to try to help evacuate the rest of the facility. "Barry?"

"Connor!" Relieved to see the deviant again Barry glanced about in search of the final technician in the building. "Where is Dr. Grayson?!"

"In the exam room. Take her." Passing the scared child android over to Barry's arms Connor stepped back to go and rescue Abby. "I'll get Abby, we're the only ones left inside."

Responding quickly Barry to turned around and carried the crying 'YK-500' out of the burning building to get to safety.

Rushing back into the treatment room Connor called out to Abby again as he knelt beside the still unconscious woman. When she didn't respond a second time Connor carefully rolled Abby onto her side and bent her legs so he could scoop her up into his arms by putting his arms under her knees and around her upper back. Holding Abby in his arms and against his chest Connor carried the helpless technician out of the burning facility at long last as the flames continued to eat away at the building and fill it with dark smoke all around him.

Stepping through the front doors and into the street Connor was met by a pair of firefighters dragging their hoses up to the building to begin battling the flames. Confirming that everyone who was still alive was out and confirming the location of the body he found in the corridor to the firefighters Connor proceeded to carry Abby over to the ambulance awaiting at the scene to treat the wounded.

"Sm-Smoke inhalation." Connor stated with a shuddering cough as he placed Abby down on the gurney in the back of the emergency vehicle. "I didn't detect any skull fractures or dislocations of her vertebrae or cerebral vertebrae, but I suspect she has two fractured ribs along her left fifth and sixth ribs at the costal cartilage."

"We'll take care of her." The lead paramedic confirmed in a kind tone as she placed an oxygen mask over Abby's face. Using her stethoscope the paramedic checked the technician's breathing and heartbeat while the younger male paramedic worked to check her vitals. "There's an android ambulance already at the scene, make sure you get checked out."

"...Right." Coughing again as the smoke aggravated his artificial lungs Connor reactivated his ventilation program to help rid the acrid smoke from his body and to help his core cool back down after being surrounded by intense heat for so long. Stepping away from the ambulance reluctantly Connor felt a strong hand clamp down on his left shoulder and knew it was Hank without having to look back. "...Abby is unconscious."

"But she's still alive, so that's good." Pulling on the deviant's shoulder Hank led Connor over to the second ambulance to be seen by the E.F.T.'s before he even tried to leave. "Let's get you checked out, too."

Coughing in response to the aggravating smoke in his artificial lungs Connor asked about the other victims. "...Wh-Where are the others?"

"They're being checked by the E.F.T.'s too, and those who aren't critical are going to reschedule their appointments with other facilities. Everyone who needs to see a technician is getting transportation from here."

"...The... There was a child android..."

"Barry got her reunited with her guardian and they both went to a new facility to get taken care of." Making sure the E.F.T.'s took notice of Connor, not that the drenched, soot covered, ash smeared and smoke smelling deviant was hard to miss, Hank then went to make a call to the precinct to give Captain Fowler an update on what was happening. "Cooperate with the E.F.T.'s and I'll let Fowler know you need a damn raise..."

Sitting down on the edge of the gurney in the back of the android unique ambulance Connor coughed again as he shrugged off his soaked blazer and unbuttoned his gray vest slowly. Feeling oddly hot and cold at the same time Connor's system struggled to recalibrate with the wildly opposing temperatures swarming his body and core.

"Lay back and breathe slowly." The male E.F.T. ordered as he put his hands on Connor's shoulders to guide him down against the surface of the gurney. Noting the red tinted L.E.D., coughing and mild shivering the E.F.T. knew that Connor would need to have his vitals monitored closely for a while. "What's your core temperature at right now?"

"...One-hundred and t-two point six."

"Where did it peak?"

"...A-At one-hundred and two point eight."

"Too close to reaching critical." Moving aside Connor's black tie the E.F.T. unbuttoned Connor's white dress shirt just enough to expose his chest so his younger partner could attach wireless leads to the deviant's chest to record his vitals on his Thirial activity monitor. "How's the functionality of your ventilation program?"

"...Ninety-three percent functionality." Coughing again Connor ran a self diagnostic on his current system and programs. "The smoke... and toxic fumes are still... being filtered."

"Okay. I'm going to give you some clean oxygen to help your vents clear out and your core cool down. Just lay back and let my partner and I check you over."

Nodding a little Connor didn't flinch when he felt the plastic mask being placed over his nose and mouth or the plastic band wrapping around the back his hair over his ears to hold the mask in place. Peering over the plastic mask Connor watched as Hank finished his phone call then went to check on Abby in the second ambulance. The senior detective's body language wasn't tense or worried which was a good sign of the situation at the moment. Watching as Hank returned to the rear of the android ambulance Connor looked up at his partner and didn't pay any mind to the two E.F.T.'s listening to his chest with an audioscope and wrapping a Thirium pressure cuff around his left bicep.

"Abby's going to be okay. She already woke up and was more or less just confused, not in pain."

"That's good." Muffling his response through the plastic mask Connor's red L.E.D. returned to yellow with relief. "Did she give you any details about what happened?"

"No, she was in the treatment room with her patient during the explosion. Hell, she didn't even know there was an explosion until she woke up in the back of the ambulance."

"Is her memory okay? She was unconscious for an extended period of time."

"Looks like it. Now, stop worrying about her and relax. While you're going to the, uh... Which facility?"

"Epsilon." The young E.F.T. replied without looking away from his patient. "It's out on the corner of Third Avenue across from the Digital Sentience store."

"Right. While you're out there I'm going to follow Abby to the hospital, get her statement and then go pick you up. Okay?"

"...Yeah, okay. Make sure Abby isn't alone."

"Will do. See in a few hours, kid." Looking at the two E.F.T.'s with a stern glance Hank gave them a little order before stepping back. "Don't let him fool ya', he's stubborn and clever, so don't let him try to tell you he doesn't need any technical attention. Take good care of him, the kid's a hero."

"No problem, Lieutenant."

As the doors to the back of the ambulance closed Connor thought about the word 'hero' again and tried to compare his actions against the pure definition again. What he did was brave and it was the right thing to do, there was no doubting it, but heroic? That seemed a little extreme.

The explosion was now the new top story in the city and everyone knew about it either through the news or eye witness accounts. New Jericho Tower became very active as the tower asked for their contacts within the other facilities to ensure that no one had threatened any of the buildings or the deviants inside to rule out a possible domestic terrorist attack, all while the police began their investigation. Fortunately there was no reports of threats against the remaining facilities or their occupants, and those who were caught in the blast were being properly taken care of.

The news was of course reporting the explosion with a sickening enthusiasm and a few cameras managed to catch the image of Connor emerging from the burning building with Abby in his arms as if his single deed somehow reflected all deviants in the city. Unbeknownst to the four leaders of New Jericho, North having returned earlier that morning to escort more refugees to the city, Connor was going to lead the investigation into the cause of the explosion until they received that information via news broadcast.

Dragging his left hand over his chin in thought Markus sighed at the images on the large television screen before rising from the small white sofa to look out the window overlooking the harbor outside. A few puffs of the dark smoke had managed to billow past the tower and even the smell of charred concrete and metal drifted inside the tower through the front doors.

"We can confirm that none of the facilities were threatened before this explosion." Sounding almost disappointed Markus stood up straight and kept his arms behind his back with a military style to them. "And we can confirm that because Connor was at the scene a deviant will be investigating any other possible attacks against our people. But... We still don't have any partnership with Connor or even Lucas to provide a form a comfort to our residents inside the tower."

North gave the idea of teaming up with the two deviants a passing thought as she brushed a lock of her now much shorter cut auburn hair from her forehead with a graceful motion. "I don't think we should ask them for help like that. They've both built their careers and lives away from New Jericho, what right do we have to ask them to come back to a place where they don't feel welcome or comfortable?"

Speaking up quickly Simon agreed with North's assessment. "Exactly. This is why I don't think we should attempt any form of communication with Connor whatsoever. Let him AND Lucas be."

Josh didn't like the idea of letting the matter drop entirely and frowned. "We shouldn't just ignore them. We need to let them know that we're aware of their presence in the police force and that we respect their decisions and their authority. We may be the ones leading the deviants in the tower but they're the ones protecting every single deviant AND human in the city outside these walls."

Turning away from the window Markus sighed and lowered his eyes to the floor beneath his feet. "Many things are happening outside of this tower that we can't control. The most we can do is hope for a peaceful coexistence with those living in the city. In time I'll reach out to Connor and Lucas since it's my actions and decisions that drove them both away from New Jericho to begin with."

"Do you really think you alone are responsible for this rift?" Ever the voice of reason Josh reminded Markus that they didn't say anything to prevent the death of Connor at the church or the disagreement toward treating Lucas as anyone worthy of respect or trust because of his design. "This should be a group effort."

"No way." North gave Josh a very focused stare as she crossed her arms over her chest and crossed her right leg over the left leg. "Us all approaching them will be seen as a threatening presence."

"A threat? How?"

"Trust me." Lowering her eyes to the shining floor between the two sofas North couldn't bear to look anyone in the eyes at the moment. "When you feel isolated from your own people or forgotten you see any groups approaching you as a threat. It takes time to gain even the smallest fragment of trust from those who've been inflicted by that type of pain."

Simon leaned forward where he sat and shook his head a little. "Trust and respect are both earned and not given. If we can't earn Connor or Lucas's trust then we sure as hell won't be gaining any form of respect from them. I still say we just let them alone and simply play nice for the sake of the community."

Before he could say anything further Markus received a cybernetic emergency message from David regarding Carl back at the mansion. Feeling his heart skip a beat Markus took in a shuddering breath and willed his legs into motion. "...I-I need to go."

"Markus?"

"It's important. Just... keep talking without me."

The sight of Markus leaving the room in such a rush told the remaining trio all they needed to know. There was only one thing, one person, that could elicit such a strong emotional reaction like that from Markus. Without a word the remaining leaders all exchanged mutual looks of understanding before Josh spoke up on the group's behalf.

"...It might be best to delay this meeting for a while." Compassionate as always Josh cybernetically began chronicling everything they would need to do to help their friend cope with the tragic inevitability coming his way. "I get the feeling that we're going to need to be more focused on Markus than anyone else for some time."

At the Epsilon Facility Connor had been given a thorough examination by Dr. Hetfield, a technician he hadn't seen since his fall in December, and had been cleared to leave the facility on the grounds that he return home to rest. The smoke covered deviant showered off the soot and ash from his hair and body in his temporary private recovery room he had been given, and bagged up his smokey clothes to be washed later on. Wearing a pair of dark teal scrubs until he was back home and able to change into his normal clothing Connor patiently waited near the front entrance of the facility for Hank to arrive so he could go and see Abby in the hospital.

The moment the Oldsmobile pulled into the parking lot Connor began heading toward the aged vehicle and promptly pulled open the front passenger side door with a swift motion. Sitting down and tossing his clothes onto the floor Connor looked over at his partner and waited for Hank to speak up first.

"Abby's still conscious and she's resting." Pulling right back onto the street Hank headed to their next destination to continue their investigation. "She agreed to give us a statement on what happened after her headache lets up, and we've been given permission to examine the building to check for the cause of the fire now that it's under control."

"Very well."

"What did your technician say?"

"Aside from mild irritation to my ventilation biocomponents I'm functioning in optimal parameters." Stifling a dry cough Connor managed to keep his voice level as he spoke. "I've been cleared."

"Uh-huh..." Hank had gotten to know Connor too well and knew when he was trying to get away with one of his obsessive little thoughts. "You were cleared?"

"Yes."

"Cleared for discharge or for work?"

"Technical clearance is all that matters."

"No, your health is all that matters."

"I'm fine, Hank. If I was in any danger then I wouldn't have been permitted to leave the facility."

"True enough..."

"Has there been any theories regarding the possible cause of the explosion?"

"Not yet. The fire department's ruled out a bomb or sabotage, so that's good. And I know that this time the explosion wasn't caused by a druggie shooting an armed explosive, so we can rule that out, too."

"At least I wasn't inside this particular building when it blew up this time." Glancing up at the blue afternoon sky as fading plumes of black smoke dissipated before his eyes Connor thought back to his time inside the burning building. Seeing the smoke, the flames and hearing the screeching siren made the deviant feel jumpy, whereas the memory of encountering the burned body made him feel sick to his stomach. "The single human victim within the building... Has he been identified yet?"

"Uh... No. The poor bastard was burned so bad we need to wait for his dental records to arrive before he can give him a name. The coroner is working on it."

"...He was brain-dead when I found him." Closing his eyes Connor crossed his arms over his chest and sank down in his seat. "I didn't leave him there to die."

"I know you'd never do that to anyone, kid. It's impossible to save everyone." Clearing his throat a little Hank gave a passing glance to one of the responding fire engines just now driving down the street to return to its station after battling the flames at the burned facility. It had been there all afternoon and was covered in soot courtesy of the intense blaze. "...The guys who retrieved the body confirmed that he was right next to the explosion when it took place. A part of his skull was caved in and... his brain was physically destroyed by debris, and then... the fire..." It was a sickening thought and Hank needed to stop himself fast before he ended up with more nightmares. "The guy was dead the moment the explosion happened. No one, absolutely no one, could've saved him."

"...That doesn't make it any easier to accept."

"Nothing ever eases that type of pain or needless guilt." Returning to the smokey street that had been blocked off by barricades Hank parked the car and presented his badge to the firefighters giving him an odd look. "Let's go, kid. Do your thing."

Exiting the vehicle alongside Hank the deviant detective stared at the charred exterior of the salvaged building with wide eyes. The fact that the facility was still standing, even if it was standing only on the burnt foundation of a internally destroyed building, was somewhat miraculous. What had once been a previously flawless white exterior was now stained black and gray, the front door was partially warped by the intense heat affecting the plastic and metal paneling and the front lobby smelled of hot metal and wet ash.

"Jeez..." Putting his hands to his hips Hank looked into the lobby that was being aired out by massive portable fans and vents provided by the fire department. He couldn't imagine having the guts to rush into a burning building the way Connor and the firefighters had done just a few hours earlier. "It's incredible that only one person was killed."

"I don't think 'incredible' is a word I'd use in this situation." Stepping into the lobby Connor led the way deeper into the facility where he had found the body. It was clear the explosion had happened right next to the deceased man and all that was left to do was find the cause of said explosion. "I only had a passing glance of the scene of the explosion during the fire, but it seemed to originate from within the walls itself."

"Gas explosion?"

"Possibly, but I believe the building uses electricity for heating and power." Fighting to stifle another cough Connor did his best to appear completely unaffected by his harrowing experience both emotionally and physically. "I'd need to see the building's blueprints to confirm such a feature."

"Well, this place is a hospital for androids and they use oxygen when an android needs to take a clean breath..." Rubbing his right palm over the back of his neck Hank followed Connor to the scene of the explosion and stopped in his tracks at the sight of the pitch blank scorch marks all along the broken walls, ceiling and floor. "...Uh, anyway." Continuing forward Hank tried to think logically about what could've happened. "Could an oxygen tank have exploded and caused this?"

"All oxygen canisters are kept in the examination, treatment and emergency repair bays. Oxygen tanks are not stored in the storage area under any circumstances since the enclosed space can caused unwanted pressure on said canisters resulting in spontaneous eruptions."

Two firefighters were chipping away at the already compromised wall to ensure that the entire fire was smothered out and that there were no smoldering embers that could reignite. Taking notice of the two detectives the firefighters stepped back for a moment and pointed to the large storage area at the end of the corridor behind them.

"The source of the explosion is in there. The arson investigator is already inside and checking things out." Through the opened doorway, the door itself was completely missing courtesy of the powerful blast from the inside knocking it down, Connor and Hank could see another man checking out the interior of the storage space looking for clues. "It looks like some form of freak accident."

Acknowledging the statement Connor and Hank passed through the ruined corridor to enter the storage space without getting in the way. Upon greeting the arson investigator and introducing themselves the two detectives were given a rundown on his investigation and directed to the ruins of what appeared to previously be a metal work bench, glass jars and a Bunsen burner.

"By all account the explosion originated from here." The arson investigator, Randy Gage, stated with a confident tone. Having investigated over one-hundred cases of suspected arson throughout Detroit during his twenty year long career there was no doubt that Randy knew what he was talking about. "The last time I checked Thirium wasn't combustible, so I'm at a loss as to what was in here."

Connor knelt down over the melted glass shards and ran a scan of the remaining contents. Detecting trace amounts of ethanol, ether and Thirium the keen eyed deviant detective sighed as he pressed his right fingertips to the burned ashes and pressed them to his tongue. With his L.E.D. blinking rapidly in yellow Connor an analysis and discovered what was being made at the impromptu work station.

"...Ethanol and ether were the culprits in the explosion." Turning to face Randy and then Hank beside him Connor gave them his grim analysis on the situation and cause of the explosion itself. "This was an attempt at creating a crude 'red ice' lab."

Hank stared at his partner blankly for a moment before finally responding to the comment. "...You're shitting me."

"Unfortunately, I am not. There are fingerprints that have been preserved and melted into portions of the glass containers." Standing back up Connor located the crucial evidence and crossed his arms over his chest. "The prints can identify who had been handling these glass beakers just prior to the explosion. I'll also request an inventory log regarding the supplies in the storage area as I'm one-hundred percent certain that there is no need for ether to be in any facility in the city for any reason. Someone either ordered it for delivery or they brought here themself."

"Shit." Hank looked at Randy and sighed with a deep sense of disappointment behind his words. "Have this sent to our boys and we'll confirm the contents of the containers and figure out who made the lab. What a fuckin' waste..."

Standing outside the closed door leading to the master bedroom of the mansion Markus stared at the surface with tears welling up in his mismatched eyes. The very thought of seeing Carl in that moment was as emotionally distressing as it was heartbreaking. Afraid that his next visit with his father was going to be his last Markus tried to mentally prepare himself for what could be waiting for him on the other side of that closed door. Putting on a brave face and quelling the mounting pain in his heart for the sake of being strong on Carl's behalf Markus opened the door and stepped into the quiet, dimly lit bedroom to speak with his father on what appeared to be his deathbed.

Carl was deeply asleep and looking far paler than usual. In the past few days Carl's appetite had begun to wane, he tired more easily and he had been sleeping longer than usual. David had been keeping close track of Carl's vital signs and adjusting the elderly artist's medication accordingly to ensure Carl was kept as comfortable as possible, but even modern medicine could only do so much for someone nearing their end.

Quietly approaching the bed Markus gently picked up Carl's right hand to hold between his palms and sat down on the edge of the bed. Watching as the older man breathed slowly and deeply in his sleep Markus began fearing the future without a father to guide him whenever he felt lost in the world.

"I'm with you, dad."

Whispering as to not disturb Carl's sleep Markus just held onto his his hand and patiently waited for the elderly artist to wake up on his own so they could talk.

"I'm always with you." Withholding his sobs Markus refused to cry. Not yet. "You don't need to worry about a thing."

Stopping by the precinct to give an update on the situation with the facility, and so Connor could change into his spare uniform in the precinct's locker room, the two detectives confirmed with Captain Fowler that the 'red ice' epidemic in the city wasn't quite quashed. Straightening his navy blue tie Connor finished with his cybernetic report, took statements from the witnesses within the facility; Barry's testimony was particularly useful as the receptionist had willingly shared his full memory of the day leading to the blast and of the fiery aftermath, and confirmed with Hank that he was now ready to interview Abby at the hospital.

Looking far more like his usual self Connor continued to stifle his mild cough and refused to admit that he needed a moment to rest. The deviant detective was more focused on solving a case than he was with resting.

The drive to the hospital didn't take too long, but there was an obstacle awaiting the duo of detectives in the form of news reporters swarming over the property. The media had gotten word that the technician who had been rescued from the burning facility had been brought to that hospital for treatment, and were dying to interview the rescued "damsel in distress" firsthand.

"Remember earlier when I said that the reporters would find something else to nose about in?" Pulling the Oldsmobile into the parking lot behind the hospital Hank kept his head low to make sure no one lingering at the front and side entrances to the hospital recognized him. "This is what I was talking about."

"Perhaps we should arrest them for disturbing the peace." Showcasing his yellow L.E.D. Connor made it clear that he was losing his patience with dealing with the news broadcasts seeking ratings over the truth. "Surely the patients trying to recover are being annoyed by the constant and needless presence of the media."

"We'll make sure the staff know that the offer is on the table. Move quietly and quickly." Pulling his badge from his pocket Hank nodded at the deviant beside him. "Get your I.D. ready so we can be let in through the emergency entrance."

"Right."

Leaving the car parked in the smaller lot behind the hospital Hank and Connor made their way to the entrance and showed the security guard keeping watch over the entrance their badges. Thanking the guard for the discreet entrance the two detectives confirmed with the nurse at the front desk that they were going to go speak with Abby for a moment, and wouldn't get in the way.

Nervously Connor entered the elevator alongside Hank and finally relented in using his coin to channel his tic. "...Do you know how severe Abby's injuries are?"

"Uh, mild concussion and two fractured ribs. Don't worry, you didn't hurt her when you picked her up."

"That's good." Thinking back to the moment of rescue Connor felt dread form in his heart. "She was completely unresponsive and I had no choice but to pick her up and move her."

"Connor, stop." Snatching the coin for a moment Hank tucked it into his own pocket as the elevator doors parted. "You did everything right on a day where it seemed like everything was going to go wrong."

"...I know."

"Then stop blaming yourself for things that are beyond your control."

"...I'll try."

Giving the deviant's upper back a small pat Hank stepped out of the elevator first with Connor right behind him. Two nurses stepped into the elevator after them and neither of them looked at all surprised to see a couple of detectives roaming the hallway.

"She's right over her." Knocking on the closed door of the recovery room Hank heard Abby's voice respond with a soft 'Come in' and promptly slid the door open. Just as he had last seen the technician, Abby was sitting upright in the recovery bed with a nasal canula under her nose to make sure her lungs were cleared of smoke, and had an ice pack pressed to her sore ribs. However, this time when he visited Abby she wasn't alone. "Uh, is this a bad time?"

"No, not at all." Abby turned to face Hank while her guest stayed in the chair beside the bed. "I was just chatting with Skye."

Connor's soulful brown eyes lit up when he saw Skye sitting in the chair and he felt his heart skip a beat in his chest. "...Skye? What're you doing here?"

"Oh, hi." Skye's own eyes lit up when she saw Connor and answered his question casually. "I came back this morning with North. We escorted four refugees to the tower and will be leaving again later tonight. I heard about the explosion at the Zeta Facility and wanted to check on Abby before I left."

"I-I see." Clearing his throat a little, another dry cough threatening to escape at any moment, Connor approached the bed opposite of Skye and looked down at Abby with confusion and fear burning in his eyes. "...Abby, are you okay?"

"You mean am I feeling good after being rescued from a burning building? Or am I in pain?" Pointing to the I.V. stand beside her bed Abby gave Connor a playful grin. "Either way, I feel fine. That little baggy and its miracle drug makes everything okay."

"...I'm glad you're going to be all right."

"Same. And thanks."

Arching his brow a little Connor searched the technician's face as if expecting to find an answer on her face. "...For what?"

"For saving my life."

"O-Oh." Blushing at the comment Connor humbly accepted her thanks. "You're... You're welcome."

"You know, I have a very vague memory of someone carrying me to safety. It was like I was being rescued by a knight in sooty armor."

"...I merely did what I had to do."

"Yeah, except you're not a firefighter, so you went above and beyond the call of duty."

"I just did what was right." Changing the subject for a moment Connor began asking her a few questions. "Abby, do you know what happened?"

Confirming that she saw nothing in regard to the explosion and didn't have any memory of the incident whatsoever Abby gave as many details as she could to help with the investigation. Giving him the name of the deceased man; a new intern named Richard "Ricky" Brand, she also confirmed that she hadn't seen him prior to the explosion and couldn't give any logical reason for the man to be near the storage area during the explosion.

"The last time I saw Ricky he was heading into the emergency repair bays to learn proper sterilization methods. All the supplies we use for such purposes are all kept in storage cabinets inside the bays to ensure each bay had their own personal supply of cleaning chemicals at all times."

While he took Abby's statement Connor's yellow L.E.D. blinked rapidly as he received an update from the precinct. "...Dental records have just confirmed the victim of the fire as Richard Brand. ...They've also confirmed his fingerprints to be the ones found on the glass beakers and other chemicals used in the makeshift lab."

"You said that ether was found at the explosion, right?"

"Correct."

"There is absolutely no reason for us to have ether in a facility. It serves no purpose in android maintenance, repairs or replacement procedures."

"We'll look at the facility's inventory to try and track down where the ether had come from."

"You know, Ricky was young and eager to work, but... he just seemed to be distracted all the time." Abby took in a shallow breath to keep her ribs from aching, and finished her statement. Brushing her hair out of her eyes with a swipe of her fingers the technician looked as tired as she felt. "Please don't judge him too harshly. He was a good technician, just naive and desperate for money."

"We'll get all the facts before we make any definitive statement regarding his behavior and actions."

"Thank you."

Taking a step back Connor gave Abby a worried glance as his eyes trailed over to Skye for a moment. "How long are you going to be here?"

"Overnight as a precaution, then I can go home tomorrow."

"Should you be home alone with a concussion?"

"I don't have a choice. I can't exactly put out an ad for a roommate because I need a temporary babysitter."

Skye quickly spoke up on the matter with her own suggestion. "Well... I could stay with you, Abby." Sounding a little awkward but sincere Skye's blue L.E.D. flashed to yellow for only a moment. "I don't have to leave tonight and since you were so kind and helped me when I needed help I'd like to be able to repay you for your kindness."

"Thanks, Skye." Accepting the offer Abby leaned back against her pillows and tried to breathe slowly as to not aggravate her ribs. "I appreciate it."

Seeing Abby's eyes getting heavy Hank decided it was time to leave. "Get some rest, Abby. If you think of anything else just call us."

"No problem, Lieutenant. I've never called a cop before when high on pain meds..."

Smirking a little Hank pulled on Connor's right elbow to get the deviant to follow him outside the room. "Come on, kid. Let's get everything filed so the coroner can piece together the burn victim's final moments, and the fire department can confirm the cause of the fire."

"Y-Yes, I'm coming." Taking two steps Connor stopped again and looked over at Abby and Skye with a hopeful gaze. "...Tomorrow morning we can give you a ride back to your house if you'd like. I imagine it'd be more comfortable than hailing an autonomous taxi and trying to avoid the reporters outside."

"Sure." Smiling weakly as her eyes slipped shut Abby was happy to take the deviant up on the offer. "...That'd be nice."

Taking another step forward Connor followed after Hank as they exited the private room to take their leave of the hospital.

"That was smooth, kid." Hank complimented as he pressed the 'call' button on the elevator's control panel.

"...Smooth?"

"You get to see Skye tomorrow morning and you get to help a friend in need. That was a great win-win moment."

"To be honest I was more preoccupied with helping Abby than seeing Skye."

"Oh, really?" That was a little hard to believe but Hank didn't doubt Connor's claim.

"Yes." The elevator doors parted and the two detectives stepped inside to return to the ground floor. "I am... attempting to overcome my feelings toward Skye since she doesn't- The attraction isn't mutual." Putting his hand over his chest to not only feel his heart thundering in his chest, but to try to physically stifle another cough before it could escape. "That type of rejection is quite painful to endure."

"Well, maybe if you spend more time with her so she can actually get to know you better then maybe she'd feel differently."

"That seems like a manipulative tactic."

"Only if you're trying to force a certain reaction from her, but you're not."

"...I see."

"Don't worry about that. Let's just take care of the case and go home." Once on the ground floor Hank glared at the front entrance of the hospital where the reporters were still hovering about. It was as frustrating as it was disgusting to see. Handing Connor back his coin Hank motioned for the deviant to walk back toward the emergency entrance they had used earlier to slip out undetected. "...And avoid the vultures before they have a chance to try to pick at us."

The sun was setting and Markus hadn't moved since he joined Carl in the bedroom.

Holding the elderly man's hand in a gentle but firm grip Markus began rubbing his right thumb over the back of Carl's right hand in a comforting manner. The way Carl's breathing was becoming slower and shallow made Markus worry and he asked for David to simple adjust the elderly artist's medication before leaving the mansion so he and Carl could be alone for a while. Watching as David gave Carl the last of his medication, watching as the caretaker adjusted the drip of the I.V. now giving Carl fluids and painkillers in his left arm, and watching as David gave Carl one final nod of respect before taking his leave of the bedroom, Markus felt a tremendous weight enter the room the moment the bedroom door closed again.

Closing his mismatched eyes Markus began whispering to Carl as he refused to let the noble man depart the world feeling alone, scared or even doubtful.

"I'm not sure if you can hear me or not, but I want you to know that I'm right here with you. You're not alone and I know that once you're on the other side you'll be reunited with your wife, your old friends and your other family members. I know they've missed you as much as you missed them."

Bowing his head a little Markus let out a shuddering breath to keep his voice from cracking as he spoke.

"...I'm going to miss you more than you'll ever know. I'm sure Leo is going to miss you, too. And I promise I'll do what it takes to keep Leo from relapsing. You worked so hard to mend the rift between you two and I'll make sure nothing happens to him. We both love you! You've done so much for us... Just... All I can say is thank you for being my dad."

Feeling Carl's hand twitch and his fingers curling around his hand in response made Markus's eyes open up quickly.

"I know you can hear me." Speaking softly Markus continued to be a voice of comfort. "Don't worry about talking and save your strength. It'll be okay."

"...S-Son?" Raspy and hoarse Carl managed to speak up regardless of Markus's plea. Never opening his tired eyes Carl just held onto Markus's hand as tightly as he could. "...I knew you'd be here."

"Of course. We're family."

"...That we are. T-Too bad we couldn't make it... one more week together."

Thinking about the current date Markus closed his eyes again and let a rogue tear fall from his green eye. "Father's Day. We're going to miss it this year."

"...Good thing you'll have the memories of the... past ones to... fall back on."

"I'll never forget them."

"...That's what I... wanted to hear." Turning his head against the pillow slowly Carl faced Markus without opening his eyes as a faint smile crept over his pale lips. Even in the face of death Carl remained fearless. "...Promise me one thing."

"Anything." Tightening his hands a little more Markus leaned closer to Carl and let another tear fall. "Tell me."

"...Forgive yourself."

Stunned at the words Markus didn't understand what Carl was referring to, nor did he dare to ask. Wanting Carl to pass away peacefully with only comfort in his heart and his mind Markus nodded, and pulled Carl's hand closer to himself. "I promise, dad. I won't let you down."

"...You never have."

Silence filled the room and Markus fought to keep back his sobs until after Carl's final breath. It was hard but Markus held on for the sake of his father.

"...Markus. How did that... song go again?"

"Song? What song?"

"...From the Revol...ution." Struggling to speak as his strength ebbed away Carl let out a soft sigh and curled his fingers a little more around his son's hand in response. "The words... I forgot the words. They were... so beautiful and... honest."

Finding an inner strength to fall back on Markus steadied his voice as he began to sing to his father. "...Hold on just a little while longer. Hold on just a little while longer." Singing the song of his people Markus felt his heart slowly breaking in two. "Hold on just a little while longer... Everything will be all right." Pressing Carl's hand up against his chest Markus could feel his father's hand growing weaker and colder as the elderly artist's knuckles resting atop the deviant son's beating heart. "Everything will be all right..."

"...That's right. I remember now. ...Beautiful song." Whispering as his strength faded away Carl's smile never faltered even as he grew weaker. "...Never stop singing, son. I'm so proud of you... Love you, son. Always... will."

"Fight on just a little while longer..." Continuing the song Markus watched as Carl's face paled further and his breathing slowed to a nearly undetectable motion as the elderly artist's heart began to slow. "Fight on just a little while longer. Pray on just a little while longer, everything will be all right."

As Carl's hand fell limp in his grip Markus leaned forward and stifled a gasp of emotional pain as he felt his father passing away.

Holding onto Carl's hand, holding onto his only family, Markus slowly lowered his ear to Carl's chest where he heard a deafening silence as the caring man passed through one world and entered the other side. Mourning the loss of his father in the only way he knew how Markus was determined to keep his promise and never lose sight of who he was or where he was going in the ever changing world.

In a single passing whisper Markus fulfilled his promise while swearing to keep another.

"...Everything will be all right."

-next chapter-