The morning was bright, beautiful, warm and energetic with a chorus of birds singing in the trees. The drive to Abby's small house from the hospital was uneventful as the traffic was mercifully light for once, and the news reporters finally gave up on trying to interview the technician after her rescue from the burning facility the afternoon before. In a twist of beneficial luck the media was now focusing entirely on the intern who had unintentionally caused the explosion at the Zeta Facility, and were now running a story trying to demonize all interns as stressed out drug dealers or addicts. While the reprieve gave the precinct a break from the circling vultures the change in attention prompted Captain Fowler to go to the Stratford Broadcast Tower himself to set the record straight, and to tell the reporters to stop trying to spread rumors and urban legends as fact.

After Connor and Hank helped Abby to get comfortable on her couch in the livingroom and made sure she had her medication close by, the two detectives decided to take their leave, and trust the technician to Skye's care. The somewhat aloof deviant was making an effort to overcome her fear of humans by befriending Abby, a trusted technician within the deviant community, and decided that helping someone who had helped so many others would be the best way to start.

"This isn't quite how I was expecting to take my vacation this summer." Abby lamented as she laid over the length of her couch on her back with another ice pack pressed against her still sore ribs. "But, hey... Getting paid while the facility is being rebuilt isn't too bad."

Cybernetically Connor checked on the progress of the facility's reconstruction and confirmed that the building was being salvaged, not torn down. "It'll take approximately six to eight weeks until the facility can be reopened for business. It seems numerous deviant volunteers are going to be working around the clock to ensure the facility is restored as quickly and efficiently as possible."

"Remind me to thank every single one of them." Sounding tired and a little bored Abby closed her eyes and let out a small sigh. "They're the reason I do what I do. We all need to come together to help each other, not ourselves."

Sitting down at the end of the couch near Abby's feet Skye glanced about the house curiously while taking stock of everything around her. She hadn't spent any time in another person's house before, and seeing the small items that personalized the private space made the environment feel inviting. In a way she envied Abby's successes, while also feeling proud of her own accomplishments in rescuing deviant refugees.

Giving Abby a kind smile Skye relaxed where she sat and cybernetically checked in with North for a moment. "I'll remain here with you for a week until your concussion has remedied itself." Closing her eyes Skye made sure to let North know that she wasn't going to be leaving the city with her for a while, and in return received an update from the tower. Opening her eyes again Skye's L.E.D. flashed to red for a minute then settled on yellow. "...Shit."

Connor and Hank took notice of her distress just as Hank received a text message from Captain Fowler. While the senior detective checked his phone near the front door Connor dared to ask about the distress Skye was suddenly experiencing. "Skye, has something happened?"

"I... I just spoke with North." Giving the deviant detective an uneasy glance Skye wrapped her arms around herself and rubbed her palms up and down her biceps in a comforting manner. "...Last evening Mr. Carl Manfred passed away."

Recognizing the name instantly Connor looked over at Hank and knew that the message the senior detective had received entailed that very same grim information. "He's Markus's father."

"Yeah. North says he's devastated and won't leave the mansion. She's going to stay in Detroit for a while because of what happened and help keep the tower functioning until he's ready to return."

"I see..." Tapping into the precinct's database Connor confirmed the passing of Carl Manfred and was promptly informed that he and Hank had been assigned to handle the situation considering Carl's relationship with Markus; the leader of the deviants. "...It seems Hank and I will have to play a hand in this current tragedy. However, if either of you need anything contact me. I'll still help you."

"Thanks, Connor."

Answering the text with a quick acknowledgment Hank pocketed his phone and pulled open the front door. "We're up, kid. Being on the deviant division includes dealing with high profile tragedies."

Sitting on the edge of the bed long after Carl's body had been taken away from the mansion by the city coroner Markus let his tears stream down his face from his mismatched eyes as he grieved for his father. Feeling entirely alone in the massive world Markus didn't even try to deny that his heart had been broken by the personal loss. The smell of the oil paints long since dried, the sound of silence enveloping the entire mansion and the overall heaviness in the air resonated inside the deviant leader's now broken heart.

Outside the mansion several news vans had gathered in front of the large home upon learning of Carl's passing. Their voices echoing through the empty mansion just made Markus feel all the more alone. Without Carl, his father, Markus had no family to look after or fight for.

"Get outta' here!" A deep baritone voice barked from outside as Hank and Connor arrived at the scene as ordered. The sound of the front door being unlocked and opened accompanied Hank's words as he continued to berate the media for being so insensitive and apathetic to someone in mourning. "Show's over! Now show some damn respect for his family!"

Pressing his left palm over his eyes as his tears continued to fall Markus took in a shaking breath the moment he heard the bedroom door slide open behind him. The soft footsteps and uneasy presence gave away the visitor's identity as Markus openly wept.

"...He's gone."

"Yes, I know." Speaking in a low tone Connor stared at Markus's back feeling completely lost as to what he could do or should do. "For what it's worth, I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Manfred was a good man."

"...The best."

Falling silent again Connor stayed back by the door and gave Markus all the space he could need without actually leaving him entirely alone.

"He didn't suffer." Dragging his right thumb under his eyes Markus wiped away his tears as he spoke. "He... He went peacefully. He spoke with me one last time and then drifted off to sleep. No pain, no fear. Just... serenity."

Lowering his soulful brown eyes to the floor Connor felt how somber the moment was. Despite his best efforts to keep distant from the deviant leader under any and all circumstances Connor couldn't stop himself from empathizing with Markus's pain. The very idea of potentially losing Hank some day made Connor wince internally in a way he hadn't anticipated.

"...The funeral will be held in two days. Tomorrow I need to meet with Leo." Turning his head a little Markus looked at Connor over his shoulder with a pleading glance. "I don't have any right to ask you for a favor, but if you could do something, anything, to keep reporters away from the church and cemetery I'd be eternally grateful."

The request was so simple and innocent Connor couldn't bring himself to say 'no'. "...I will make the request for patrol to stay in the area."

"...Thank you."

Through the large window overlooking the front of the property Connor could see the news vans finally pulling away after Hank chased them off. Being assigned to handle the scene of the reported passing local celebrity meant that Connor and Hank were there strictly to ensure there was no sign of foul play while the coroner confirmed the cause of death. Knowing he wouldn't find anything unusual or even remotely controversial Connor just stayed by the bedroom door and sent a cybernetic message to Hank's phone to give him a quick update on what was happening inside the mansion.

'Markus is in the master bedroom and he's currently in mourning.'

There was a small pause as Hank read the message and responded as walked over to the Oldsmobile to make sure none of the slimy reporters tried to sneak back onto the property. 'Want to swap places? I'll stay with him so you can get away for a moment.'

Connor himself paused for a moment before he replied in a professional manner. 'No, I can do this. I won't let my personal feelings cloud my judgment.'

'All right, then. The reporters are all gone and hopefully they'll stay away for the rest of the day. Once we get get the confirmation from Fowler we'll return to the precinct and try to go about our day as normally as possible.'

'Markus shouldn't be alone at the moment.'

'What about North or those other two guys from the tower? Can't they stay with him?'

'I believe it's very probable that North will come here and stay with him, but I cannot be certain.'

'Great. Well, I guess we'll stick around for a while longer if we have to.' There was another pause before Hank sent another message. 'Do you think he's at risk of self destructing?'

'...I don't believe so. It'd be unwise to leave without making certain that he isn't alone since I cannot be certain about his emotional state, either.'

'Okay. Stay in the same room as him to keep an eye on him. If you need to switch places let me know.'

'It'll be fine. Also, there is no sign of any foul play whatsoever. We can already confirm that Mr. Manfred succumbed to natural causes.'

'That's what we all figured, but you know how the assholes in charge like to remind people that they call the shots and need to make everything as annoying official as possible.'

'I do know. I'll let you know if there's any change in Markus's demeanor.'

'Right. I'll be in touch.'

Remaining by the door with his arms behind his back in a near military posture Connor looked back up at Markus with a sympathetic stare. The drying tears on Markus's face and the deviant's elevated vital signs due to his emotional distress worried Connor to some degree. While Markus's stress levels were not high enough to warrant self destruction, they were high enough to make his behavior potentially unpredictable.

Markus himself just stayed on the bed where he had last held Carl's hand and mourned for the elderly artist. In time the pain in his heart would heal, but no matter how much time passes Carl would not return to the world, and Markus would be remain without his father.

The deviant leader felt truly alone without his father.

New Jericho Tower was in mourning alongside Markus out of respect for the iconic deviant's loss. Those who stood by Markus and recognized his pain empathized greatly with him during his time of mourning, while those who merely recognized him as a symbol for deviancy simply kept to themselves. North had made her way over to the mansion to be with Markus and with her presence both Connor and Hank took their leave. As expected there was nothing amiss with Carl's determined cause of death and in the end Markus and Leo were being left alone with their grief for their now late father.

Remaining in charge of everything happening at the tower so Markus and North could be away on personal business Simon and Josh answered questions when appropriate, but would otherwise keep Markus's current experience private. The casual answers didn't stop rumors from spreading, although both Simon and Josh readily quashed each and every one of them as they heard them.

"So far I've heard that Markus went rogue and stolen Carl's money," Simon recounted as he met Josh in the private office to monitor activity in the tower without being directly involved with the other members. "that he has inherited all of Carl's money and he's going to leave the city, and my personal favorite, he helped Carl fake his death so they could run away from Detroit and not deal with problems here."

"That's better than the rumor that Markus killed Carl by using medication to poison him." Josh replied with a look of disappointment in his deep brown eyes. Being a man of peace and understanding Josh was the ideal candidate to lead affairs in the tower for the time being. "The poor guy's been gone for barely a day and he's already got some ugly words being spoken about him behind his back."

"It's unfortunate, but it seems like gossip is something deviants and humans share an interest in."

"Maybe." Bringing up a sore subject Josh gave Simon a wary glance as he sat down on one of the white sofa's casually. "Now I get why Connor has always been so guarded."

Not expecting to hear the name Simon sat down on the second sofa across from Josh with great intrigue. "What do you mean?"

"He was called the 'Deviant Hunter' even though he never actually hurt or arrested any deviants." Giving the blond deviant a knowing glance Josh explained is line of thinking logically and calmly. "A bunch of rumors spread about him before he ever set foot on Jericho, and even more rumors spread about him after the Revolution. It isn't right, especially when he isn't here to defend himself."

"Connor's problems are his problems alone."

"But they shouldn't be. We're the ones who are supposed to be setting examples for the community." Locking his eyes with Simon as the two deviants spoke in the privacy of the office Josh wasn't ready to back down yet. Tension had been mounting as stress rose in the city and it seemed like everything was about to boil over. "Not a single deviant in this city should be isolated because of rumors and lies."

"Look, Connor doesn't want to be here, so we shouldn't worry about it. At all."

"He doesn't want to be here because he doesn't feel welcome or trusted! With those damn rumors swirling around and the way he was treated at the church I don't blame him for wanting to keep some distance from us."

"I'm not changing my mind, Josh." Putting authority in his voice Simon's gaze sharpened to one of defiance and mild resentment. "I don't want him around the tower and I sure as Hell won't be welcoming him here with open arms and acting like I'm happy to see him."

"I'm not expecting you to change your mind. I know you have your reasons for distrusting him and I respect that fact, I just wish you'd at least try to be a little more open minded when it comes to forging alliances that benefit the entire community."

"Hey, it was three to four in the vote so it doesn't matter anyway. The door's open for him even if I don't like it."

Sighing to himself Josh glanced about the empty office and then over to the television screen as a news report regarding the life and death of Carl was came onto the broadcast. All of Carl's more famous works were on display, his legacy, reputation and family were briefly mentioned - which included Markus, and even the report went into detail on the car accident that resulted in the elderly artist's paraplegia.

Wanting a change to a less gloomy subject Josh turned off the television and stared at the harbor outside the window. "You know... We haven't been anywhere outside the tower in months. Maybe when things mellow out we can go on vacation."

"Vacation?"

"Yeah. The beach could be nice and relaxing. Or we can find a quiet place in the forest to just get away from everything for a while."

"That'd be nice..." The idea of leaving their problems behind for a little while was too tempting to argue against. "I'm sure we could find the time to do something like that. Just the two of us..."

"It wouldn't be much of a vacation if we went separately."

"Once Markus is ready to come back we should find somewhere nice to go and take a week just for ourselves."

Smiling warmly at the idea Simon's mood improved and the tension in the tower began to ease off. "Sounds perfect to me."

Sitting at his desk in the bullpen Connor stared at the television on the far wall with the same news broadcast regarding Carl's life and legacy as he danced his coin nervously over the back of his right hand. Seeing the photographs of Carl from his childhood, his youth, adulthood and into his old age made Connor dread the pass of time and the way it reeked havoc on the human body. The sad tale of Carl's car accident, paralysis and subsequent albeit short lived addiction to pain killers, alcohol and his depression made Connor's soulful brown eyes trail over to Hank for a moment while the senior detective tiredly typed up his report with one hand, and sipped at his mug of coffee with the other.

The very vivid and detailed reminder that humans aren't nearly as indestructible as androids seemed to be was shaking Connor to his core without any immediate logical reason for such a reaction. Leaning back in his chair Connor continued to dance his coin over the back of his right hand and pressed his exposed left palm to his terminal screen.

While he was uploading his own report to corroborate Hank's report Connor discreetly connected with Lucas to have a small chat with his honorary little brother without anyone being able to eavesdrop. 'Lucas, are you available to talk?'

'I am, Connor.' Speaking clearly and with a sense of trepidation to his words Lucas replied to Connor on a cybernetic level. 'Captain Rourke has requested that I remain on desk duty with Noreen for my first shift back, which means I'm free to communicate.'

'I'm glad you're back to work.' Taking notice of Gavin sitting behind his desk and chatting with Tina and Chris as they split a pizza for lunch Connor found it ironic that everyone around him he considered an ally was healing or in good spirits, whereas someone he was disgusted by was suffering in utter emotional turmoil, and he couldn't bring himself to feel anything positive toward either incident. 'I expect that you're well aware of the passing of Mr. Carl Manfred.'

'That is correct. Tomorrow during the funeral Noreen and I will be patrolling the area outside the church to keep reporters at bay.'

'You're being allowed to work on situations with deviants?'

'Yes. The fact that I had been abducted by the "red ice" dealers made my Captain very aware that a deviant division was a must in my precinct. Tomorrow will be the first case in our new deviant division. From what I understand you and Hank will be patrolling the cemetery before, during and for a while after the funeral has taken place in our stead.'

'Correct. It'll ensure we can keep reporters from trying to stake out the cemetery while everyone is gathered at the church. ...It's strange to think about.'

'Patrolling a funeral?'

'...Protecting the dead from the living.'

'You've been thinking about human mortality, too, huh?'

'...You've noticed.'

'It's hard not to, especially since my roommate is a human who is very reluctant to take are of himself at times. Are you worried about Hank?'

'Of course I am.' Giving the senior detective a discreet glance around his terminal screen Connor focused on his report and kept the conversation cybernetic. 'Not only is he a Lieutenant in the police department, he's fifty-three years old, has suffered moderate damage to his body from excessive drinking and stress, doesn't exercise regularly, still eats unhealthy food unless I specifically cook a healthier alternative, recently suffered a stroke and could have cardiac damage due to his poor diet. I don't...' Pausing for a moment Connor put his thoughts in order before continuing on. 'The idea of Hank dying... frightens me.'

'The idea of Gavin dying worries me as well. We're not close as friends and yet I worry about him whenever he suffers from another bout of insomnia or a severe headache. His boyfriend has done wonders for his health physically and mentally, but I know he has suffered from a traumatic past that seems to be making it difficult for him to move on.'

'Do you believe he's a danger to himself?'

'Not at all. He's making immense progress with his health and I'm very proud of the way he's finally letting himself heal.'

'Hank is making progress as well despite slipping up with the alcohol. Seeing him suffering from a stroke and being so weak and helpless... I've never felt so scared before. Even when I infiltrated CyberLife Tower during the night of the Revolution that particular mission didn't scare me as much as that night.'

'Understandable. What're you going to do?'

'Pardon?'

'We may not be very close yet but I do know that you're thinking of some way to keep Hank as healthy as possible. What're you going to do?'

'Beyond taking control of all meals at the house I believe I'm going to insist on Hank joining me on Sumo's walks, or even going to the gym whenever his back begins to hurt him. It's difficult to find a way to help Hank without overstepping my boundaries.'

'Difficult? How so?'

'I am not a human. I cannot physically understand what it's like to age or have my body weaken over time. I will remain as I am; eternally efficient and young.'

Lucas paused for a beat as he could hear and feel the emotional conflict in his big brother's words. '...Connor, are you aware of the new programs and software updates being created by Digital Sentience?'

'No, I have not.'

'The company has been experimenting with programs and updates that'll allow deviants to respond physically to the same experiences that humans experience.'

'How so?'

'The little information that I've-' Trailing off for a moment Lucas resumed the conversation with a suddenly morose tone. 'My apologies, but I must go. I have a case that I need to handle.'

'I understand. We'll talk later.'

'Of course. Have a good day, brother.'

'You as well.'

Ending the cybernetic connection with Lucas the deviant detective dropped his left palm from the terminal screen and ceased the dance of the coin over the back of his right hand. Peering at Hank with a curious eye Connor noticed that the coffee mug was nearly empty, there was a napkin covered in the crumbs of at least two different flavored doughnuts and Hank's eyes were beginning to squint while looking at his screen as if he was developing a headache.

Without a word Connor rose from his desk and retrieved a bottle of water from the refrigerator in the breakroom for Hank. The small refrigerated space also had a wide array of fruits, vegetables and dips for the bullpen to enjoy but it seemed wrong to help himself to the additional snacks considering he didn't need to eat anything organic.

Placing the bottle of water down on Hank's desk the deviant slid it closer to the senior detective then returned to his chair to resume work.

"Uh, thanks?" Looking at the water being presented to him Hank gave it and then Connor a strange glance. "But I'm not thirsty."

"...For lunch today you should go to a small diner instead of one of the food stands you normally visit."

"Okaaaay... That came out of nowhere."

"You appear to be suffering from a mild headache and your usual meal choice at the 'Chicken Feed' is very high in sodium, cholesterol and grease. You should avoid salt and make an effort to remain hydrated after drinking your coffee that had an unnecessarily high amount of sugar and sweetener added to it. It'll stop your headache before it can start."

"Are you monitoring my diet again?"

"Yes. It's evident that you're falling back into old bad habits." Motioning to the crumbs on the napkin beside the now empty coffee mug Connor made it clear he was aware of Hank snacking on junk food again. "You've lost eight pounds and six point two ounces since the beginning of the year just by not eating fast food every day. You should continue this particular dietary change since it's clearly benefiting you."

Turning in his chair Hank crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the deviant's eyes while noticing the blue L.E.D. in Connor's right temple was cycling faster than usual. He knew Connor was stressing out from something and his immediate thought went to Markus, but since Connor hadn't been thinking about the deviant leader for weeks Hank's theory changed a little. On a second television monitor mounted on the wall behind Connor the senior detective saw the memorial regarding the life and death of Carl Manfred and swore he saw the pieces fall into place right before his eyes.

"...All right. I'll cut back on the salt and grease again." Withholding his amused smirk at the sight of the blue L.E.D. cycling slower Hank just dragged his left palm over his bearded chin before he opened up the bottle of water to take a drink. "But I'm not going to eat kale or any of those weird trendy diets that celebrities supposedly use."

"Thank you. Would you like me to place an order for a vegetarian pizza?"

"A... pizza? You just told me to cut down on salty, greasy foods and now you're offering to order me a pizza?"

"I've been noting the menus of every restaurant in the city to ensure that while on patrol you'll be able to have plenty of alternatives to choose from. There is a pizzeria in the area that offers a pizza that has a low salt dough, salt-free sauce, fat free cheese and a generous option of numerous vegetables."

"Well, if you're going to pay for it then fine." Relenting for his partner's peace of mind Hank glanced at the remains of the pizza on Gavin's desk and hoped that the special one on its way would taste just as good. "I won't bitch about getting free food, even if it does end up tasting like cardboard or something."

Keeping to their word both Connor and Hank checked in on Abby after their shift came to an end. As an act of kindness Hank gave Abby the remaining half of the vegetarian pizza he had for lunch, and insisted it didn't taste that bland despite the truth being betrayed by the look in his blue eyes. Connor himself simply ran a simple scan over Abby's ribs and skull to confirm that the fractures were stable and knitting back together, while her brain showed no sign of swelling or additional bruising. The alertness and upbeat demeanor from the recovering technician also confirmed that she was healing well and wouldn't require twenty-four hour supervision once the week was over.

As expected the media was still discussing Carl's passing and it was starting to drive everyone up the wall. While they all respected Carl and had no reason to relish in his death, the detectives who had been assigned to patrol his funeral were eager for their assignment to arrive and end so they could move on to other pressing cases.

"You know," Abby took a bite of the pizza and sighed. "this would taste better with a dash of hot sauce or a side of garlic knots."

"Too salty for me at the moment." Lamenting for the loss of delicious garlic knots Hank sat beside Abby on the couch and watched as Connor and Skye discreetly slipped outside the backdoor to talk in private for a while. "As soon as I drop another eight pounds I'm going to singlehandedly devour an extra large pizza with everything on it, and double order of garlic knots. I'll lock myself in the bathroom if I have to..."

"Let me know when that happens, I want to watch!" Offering Hank a kind smirk Abby pointed with her right thumb toward the window overseeing the backyard and took another bite of the healthy food. It didn't taste any better the second time but she didn't want it to go to waste. "I take it Connor's been a little wary of death as of late."

"Yup, that's what I kind of figure's going on. Hence that tasteless pizza I choked down until I couldn't take it anymore."

"Not surprised. I think that's another reason Skye decided to stick around for a week after she saw me in the hospital. Death seems to upset deviants just as much as humans, and they need the time to process it."

"Is she okay doing her little rescue missions outside the city? I know Connor's worried about her."

"She's fine. Skye's a lot stronger than most people give her credit for. The only problem is she doesn't really trust anyone, even North. Being so alone like that is going to make it difficult for her to move on with her life and get away from her fucked up past. But she's trying."

"I guess Connor and Skye have more in common than they thought."

"Maybe..."

Intrigued by the cryptic lilt to Abby's words Hank's detective nature revealed itself without fail. "What's the 'maybe' about? Something I should know?"

"Well..." Finishing off the bland pizza Abby dusted the crumbs from her hands and gave Hank an intrigued glance. "It might be useful to know that Skye has been asking about certain updates and upgrades to her person that would make her more... human."

"Wait, what?" Deviants behaving even more human seemed like a strange fever dream. "How is that possible?"

"The fall of CyberLife and their subsequent patents on biocomponents and Thirium has given rise to a bunch of amateur programmers, bio-engineers and bio-technicians seeking to make their name known by finishing what CyberLife started. One such group is called Digital Sentience, you've seen their stores popping up all around the city, and word has it they've created a massive software update that'll give deviants far more human reactions."

"Like what?"

"I'm not sure. I tried to research it the other day, but getting knocked head first onto the floor seemed to wipe the slate clean. Go figure being concussed would make it hard to study after the fact, too."

"Do you know if the update is something the deviants even want? This seems like a sleazy trick by greedy programmers trying to use fear in the deviant community to get a bunch of scared deviants to fork out a shit-ton of cash to look as human as possible so they feel safer."

"I wouldn't argue against it, but I haven't heard of Digital Sentience doing anything shady like that. Yet."

"Emphasis on 'yet'..."

"I'm not saying they should be immediately distrusted, but I don't think you should just embrace them without any hesitation either. You're a detective so I'll know you'll investigate them no matter what, but as a professional technician my advice is handle these new guys with care."

"It's not me you have to worry about, it's Connor." The sight of Connor standing outside with Skye through the window was oddly comforting and disconcerting. It was as if there was a cloud of doom hanging over the deviant's head and there was nothing that could be done to change it. "The kid's been through a lot and he's finally beginning to make progress and open up a little more. I don't want to see something stupid fuck it all up and send him back to square one."

Taking the opportunity to speak in private Connor asked Skye about how Abby was behaving during her recovery, and then asked how she was doing in regard to her personal quest to rescue their people and bring them to Detroit for shelter. Unsurprisingly Abby was healing well and not complaining about anything. As for the refugees outside the city, things could always be progressing more smoothly for everyone's liking and comfort. The large number of wounded deviants being helped were righteously still afraid of humans. Being unable to help themselves or leave the crude refugee camps hidden outside the city in the surrounding forested areas ensured that any assistance for the damaged deviants would be slow and limited.

Skye was exhausted but feigning contentedness as she stood outside the quiet house with Connor at her side. The heavy atmosphere was weighing on her shoulders and her mind as she looked to the steadily darkening night sky overhead

"It's strange seeing stars only through my filters when I'm in the city." The lovely deviant stated as she gave Connor a truly kind smile. "When I'm outside I can see the stars as they are without needing to turn the filters on."

"I also enjoy being able to see the stars when I'm away from the city. Something about seeing naturally occurring perpetually bright light piercing through an endless void of utter blackness is somehow reassuring."

"Sometimes we have to use the stars to guide us around the forests at night. It's easier than trying to focus a G.P.S. through the thick tree canopies."

"It must feel lonely being so far into the forest for so long."

"At first it felt very lonely and very frightening." Wrapping her arms around herself in a guarded manner Skye's blue L.E.D. cycled in yellow for a beat. "The deviants who are protecting the wounded and giving them aid have become friendly enough to keep the loneliness at bay. I'm okay being out there."

"That's good. I don't like being alone myself, and I'm grateful that Hank has been as accommodating toward me as he has been."

Empathetic to Connor's plight Skye let out a small breath as she dropped her arms from her chest. "Why is adapting to deviancy so difficult?"

"I do not know. I have been able to adjust and adapt when necessary, yet I still feel as though I plateaued and have come to a sudden stop." Looking down at his right palm Connor contemplated retrieving his coin but decided it against it. Despite everything he's endured Connor was still determined to overcome his anxiety. "How about you?"

"Being around other deviants has helped, but I don't feel like I'm progressing as rapidly as I should be. Now I know why so many deviants ran away from the city and hid themselves from the rest of the world even after the Revolution succeeded."

The comment made Connor's brow arched inquisitively. "How so?"

"Sometimes the people who are trying to do good end up doing harm. It may not be intentional," speaking from her own experience Skye's palm found its way to the healed burn scar on the back of her shoulder. "but that type of betrayal leaves behind an ugly scar. I guess some things are just beyond redemption."

The memory of chasing Kara and Alice flashed through Connor's mind. The guilt for nearly getting them both killed when he chased them and drove them toward the busy highway to escape the pursuit still ached at his heart from time to time. He had never once considered that they were running from something far worse than the police, and he never stopped and tried to see their perspective on the pursuit. Even if he were to find Kara and Alice again he knew no matter how much he apologized it'd never be enough to sway his guilt.

Sighing a little Skye shuffled on her feet as she looked up at the night sky again. "It's no wonder that there's so many human children who run away from their own homes or foster care after being rescued, too. It's sad that the only constant common ground between humans and deviants seem to be pain and fear."

"...No child should be abused. Whether that child is human or a deviant, no one should live in fear from those who are supposed to protect them." Clenching his hands into tight fists at his sides a strange fire began burning inside Connor's heart. "It's an unforgivable crime to harm an innocent child."

The way Connor had such a strong reaction toward the discussion of children in need immediately held Skye's attention. "...Do you like kids?"

"I neither like them or dislike them. I have had very limited interactions with children, but I think their innocence is both fascinating and something that needs to be protected at all costs."

"Limited how?"

Lifting his right hand up and toward Skye to take Connor retracted his artificial skin and let her take hold as his L.E.D. returned to blue. "It's easier to show you than try to explain it."

The offer was quite personal and very unexpected. "You'll let me see your memories?"

"Yes. Despite what many people seem to think, I have nothing to hide from anyone for any reason. It's okay."

Impressed by the confidence of his answer and reaction toward the question Skye lifted her own hand and grabbed onto Connor's exposed hand to see what he wanted to show her. The images of Connor helping the frightened teenager give birth in the empty house and the way his heart and his eyes lit up as he held the newborn in his hands had a warming effect in her own heart. The memory of the little girl named Amanda giving Connor the friendship bracelet made her smile in return as it was such a sweet gesture.

"You've been around a newborn baby and a smiling group of school children." Taking her hand back Skye gave Connor an envious smirk. "You're lucky."

"I suppose I am. Positive interactions with total strangers seem rare and should be experienced by everyone. Being able to interact with children is an entirely unique experience to enjoy."

"You're right. I haven't been around kids myself, but I agree. Children are so innocent and full of honesty that it makes me feel so sad knowing that adults full of hatred are poisoning their hearts with misguided bigotry and ignorance."

"It's strange how adults teach children to hate, children seem teach deviants to love, and deviants seem to teach adults to open their minds." Connor observed the behavior with a truly fascinated gleam in his eyes. "Perhaps that's all the proof we need when discussing how humans and deviants need each other. We may be different, but not so much so that segregation will ever be required."

"I think that's why the new update was created."

"The one from Digital Sentience?"

"Yes. Before I leave Detroit I'm going to get the update and the upgrades so I can feel more human. I want..." As she spoke Skye subconsciously pressed her left palm over her lower abdomen. "I want to feel something, anything, beyond the lingering anger I have toward the humans who hurt me in the past. I want to feel unconditional love and find a way to help this world be a little better."

"...Feel new things." Contemplating her words carefully Connor weighed the pros and cons of getting such an update to his own system as well. "You wish to improve your life through love."

"Personally I want to feel something beyond anger and bitterness emotionally, and I'd like to be able to pick a flower and truly feel how soft the petals would be under my fingertips, or to hug someone and feel their warmth not just their bodies. I imagine it'll give me so much more insight into human interactions that I'll finally understand myself a little better, and understand why I want to protect people."

Connor's mind immediately compared Skye's words to Hank's past deeds. Just as Hank was a father through and through; his love for Cole and natural instincts to protect the world from all of its evils being his most noble traits, it seemed Skye had a deeply seeded maternal instinct that would compel her to fight back and protect anyone and everyone who needed help.

"...Skye, do you wish to have a family?"

"Wh-What?" Blushing a bright blue in embarrassment at the otherwise harmless comment Skye turned away from Connor as she nervously combed her fingers through her long brunette hair. "A family?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Backing down immediately Connor looked away from Skye and back to his right palm as his artificial skin regenerated. "...Forgive me."

"No, no! Please don't apologize. I-It's okay..." Putting her left hand to his right shoulder Skye made sure Connor knew he didn't do anything wrong. "It was just so unexpected to hear another deviant mention the idea of a family."

"Oh, I see."

"You must feel the same way then." Picking up on the projection Skye sought confirmation from Connor himself. "You also want a family of your own, right?"

"...I do. At least, I think I do." Glancing over his right shoulder and into the window showing the livingroom Connor watched as Hank spoke with Abby on the couch behind him. "As of the moment I'm trying to forge a brotherly relationship with Lucas; he is the only 'RK-900' in existence and he and I are connected through our uniqueness. I also feel as though Hank is a true guardian in my life who is like... I imagine that he's like a..." Struggling a bit with his words Connor finally managed to explain his thoughts as accurately as possible. "The only term I can think of is 'father'."

Hearing such a notion actually made Skye's eyes light up with intrigue. "Really?"

"I can't be certain, but through pure definition and personal experiences I believe it's safe to think of Hank as such. He is very important to me. He's helped me in more ways than I can really explain or ever thank him properly."

"It must be nice to have someone you can trust like that."

"It truly is." Thinking about how he and Hank always seemed to look out for one another Connor realized what type of pain Markus was going through, and all of his anger toward the deviant seemed to melt away. How long that anger would stay away had yet to be seen. "...We should go back inside. I'm certain Hank would like to return home and I imagine Abby would like to get some rest as well. Today has been very unusual for everyone."

"Yeah, okay." With her blush completely faded Skye opened the backdoor again and walked inside the house with Connor right behind her. "I imagine tomorrow the city is going to be a little hectic because of the funeral."

The following morning was dark, rainy and surprisingly cold despite it being June. The high profile funeral was at hand and the church was filled to the brim with respectful mourners. Despite the desperation of the reporters to take photographs of the dearly departed and the grieving family the police and private security managed to keep the vultures at bay. Struggling to keep his emotions in check Markus held tightly onto North's hand as they sat together in the front of the church alongside Leo, the human now completely clean of drugs and working a respectable job, the bold deviant managed to get up long enough to give eulogy for Carl that was sure to bring everyone to tears, without breaking down himself.

It took every waning ounce of his strength to stand before the packed church as he spoke of his late father's incredible legacy, but Markus succeeded and managed to deliver the eulogy with flawless eloquence. Strong in his beliefs and sincere with his gratitude Markus's words reached the heart of every single person sitting in the church as they expressed their grief.

"Carl Manfred was a man who bore the heart of an artist, the soul of a poet and the mind of an explorer." Taking in a deep breath Markus stabilized his voice and tried to not think of how he was standing before his father's coffin. Dressed in a sharp black suit and tie Markus was as respectable as possible as he honored his late father. "Through his creativity and forward thinking Carl managed to make this world a little brighter, more colorful and far more beautiful than it would have been without him."

From beside Leo on the front pew North stayed strong for Markus and just nodded a little as a way of silently giving him confidence to keep speaking.

"When he and I first met I was meant to be nothing more than a 'gift' to make his life easier after his accident. But that's not what happened. Instead of being put to work and becoming a silent right hand for Carl when he went about his daily routine, I became his friend and not long after that, his son."

The wonderful memories of bonding with Carl during their initial few months together always filled Markus's heart with joy.

"He took me into his home, his world, his life and his family. Through Carl I learned how to think, how to feel, how to empathize and how to express myself as a person rather than remaining a dormant, quiet fixture in this ever changing city."

Folding his hands together before himself Markus bowed his head a little as his tears escaped at long last and rolled down his face to disappear into small little drops on the floor at his feet.

"Through Carl's kindness, love, patience and creativity this entire world is going to be better than it had been before. Through Carl's devotion to broadening his horizons his art constantly evolved to reflect our world as it changed, and that reflection helped open the eyes of so many people so they could see themselves and the people around them in a new light. I saw myself for the first time through Carl's eyes, and I saw myself as someone deserving of life. Without Carl I wouldn't be here and the city would still be in turmoil."

Taking in a deep breath Markus steadied his voice and continued to speak from his heart.

"As a man of peace and understanding Carl's positive influence shaped everything around him in a positive manner. He was a father to all of those who needed guidance and understanding just as he was a father to Leo and myself. Our father... Our dad may have left this world, but his influence will continue to help reshape it as long as we keep his memories alive in our hearts."

Turning around Markus lightly pressed his right palm over the surface of the closed ivory white coffin and sighed to keep himself as stable as possible.

"We'll all miss him. Carl was loved by everyone and he loved everyone in return. I can only hope that in time I can show everyone the same love he had shown me, and do his legacy proud."

With his fingers curling over the surface of the coffin Markus's voice shook as his heart began to beat with a thunderous ache.

"I love you, dad..." Whispering as his tears fell and heart ached Markus spoke his final words to his departed father. "I always will. Thank you for everything."

Rain drenched the city under a heavy cold deluge as the funeral continued at the cemetery. The mourners all gathered together at the cemetery in a single line procession to see Carl being laid to rest on that rainy spring day. The massive train of various vehicles circling around the block and down the drive leading to the cemetery all parked in a neat line as the mourners exited their vehicles with black umbrellas popping open to shield them from the relentless rain above. The six pallbearers, two of whom were Markus and Leo, placed Carl's coffin in its rightful place and the mourners took their seats in the chairs that were covered by the small black canopies that were set up to protect the seats from the weather.

As the mourners fell silent and waited for the finale of the funeral to take place Leo himself stood before the coffin to deliver a second eulogy to honor his father, and to atone for his past mistakes where he had needlessly been selfish and cruel. Seeing the cleaned up young man admitting his faults and making amends to those he had hurt gave the mourners a sense of pride knowing that Carl's only biological son truly did respect his now late father.

From the street where they had parked Connor and Hank could just barely see the funeral taking place near the center of the cemetery as they continued to monitor the area to keep the media away. Sinking back in their seats the two detectives watched as the mourners wiped away their tears as they stood in the rain or under umbrellas while listening in on the final eulogy before paying their final respects.

"Rain at a funeral." Hank lamented in a hushed tone as he leaned forward a little to watch the event through Connor's side window. "It's as symbolic as it is annoying."

"...Yes. It's a very somber occasion."

Focusing on Leo for a minute Hank's brow furrowed slightly. "Who's that guy talking?"

"Leonard Manfred. Carl's only biological child."

"Oh, I just thought that was a rumor." Squinting a little to get a better look at the younger man's face from the distance Hank could see that Leo was currently talking. "I wonder what he's saying."

"Would you like to know verbatim or just a summary?"

"You can hear him from here?"

"Not very well due to the rain, but I can still read his lips perfectly."

"Oh. Give me the short version."

"He's stating that he never appreciated his father and feels guilty for being angry toward Carl for not knowing about his existence until he was a young teenager. He now understands it wasn't Carl's fault and that he regrets turning his anger inward and into drug abuse. Leo is also expressing remorse for being so bitter, closed off and for being cold to Markus."

"So... He's turning the funeral into a speech to make himself look good?"

"No. Now he's talking about how he's going to make Carl proud by continuing to run Carl's numerous charities, support rehabilitation programs and deviant charities all while going back to school to study art. He wants to be a son 'worthy of Carl's name'."

"You'd think Carl was some type of god walking among men with the way those two are talking about him."

Lowering his eyes for a moment Connor rested his hands atop his lap as if in job interview as he asked a sincerely curious question. "Isn't that the normal reaction children have toward their parents?"

"When they're little. Then again, I don't know Markus and Leo's pasts. Who am I to judge how they view their father?"

Needing to change the subject for a moment Connor looked to Hank and stopped paying attention to the funeral. "How long should we remain here?"

"We'll wait until everyone leaves and then wait about ten minutes longer." Sitting back Hank crossed his arms over his chest and stared through the windshield to watch the raindrops splashing in the numerous puddles collecting on the street before the vehicle. "I don't think anything would happen if a reporter showed up, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Reporters are called vultures for a reason, kid."

Placing a white lily atop the coffin Markus stayed beside the grave and watched as more and more flowers were added to the coffin as each passing mourner paid their final respects. Standing under an umbrella as North stood beside him and refused to let him be alone during his time of grief Markus remembered all the rainy days he spent with Carl inside the artist's studio working on a new piece to pass the foul weather by. Sometimes Markus would sit and watch the elderly artist at work, other times he'd simply play the piano and fill the mansion with music that accompanied the natural rhythm of the raindrops pattering against the windows of the gallery.

All those good memories would last forever in Markus's heart, but the warmth of Carl's company would continue to fade as time went on. The mansion itself would remain in Markus's care as the new owner. During his final days Carl had updated his will to ensure that the mansion and his works stayed in Markus's name while his other funds would go to Leo for as long as he stayed clean and sober.

The idea of returning to the empty mansion was enough to freeze Markus where he stood. Leaving his father behind in the cold cemetery on the rainy miserable day seemed so cruel and impersonal.

"Markus?" Wrapping her arms around his left arm North whispered his name and tried to get him to move. "It's time. Carl's at peace, there's nothing more for you to do. You need to get some rest."

"...It feels so wrong to just walk away like this."

"I know." Sympathetic to her friend's pain North continued to speak sweetly to him as Leo took his own leave of the funeral ensuring that Carl's sons were the last to leave his side. "But Carl wouldn't want you to stop living your life because his is over."

"Without him to guide me I'm not sure I can live."

"If you're worried about being alone, don't. I may not be in the city every day anymore, but I'll be here for you whenever you do need me."

Closing his eyes Markus nodded subtly as he allowed North to lead him away from the grave and over to the black car that had been hired to escort them about the city during the day. Moving slow and heavily it looked as though Markus's heart was so weighted by grief and made it was keeping his body from moving whatsoever. The pain of loss and the tears of mourning were easily the worst feelings that the deviant leader had ever experienced.

Glancing over his right shoulder and through the pouring rain Markus gave the coffin covered under the white lilies once final gaze before he closed his tear filled mismatched eyes in utter grief.

"...Goodbye, dad." Speaking from his heart Markus forced himself to walk away at long last. "I'll never forget you."

-next chapter-