Being back home was only a mild reprieve for the healing deviant. Standing in the bathroom Connor stared at his reflection in the mirror over the sink for a moment, noting that he could finally look himself in the eyes again, and traced his right fingertips over the recently repaired Thirium pump regulator in the center of his chest. The brief contact through his black t-shirt caused the deviant's blue L.E.D. to cycle in yellow as he hissed through his teeth from the stinging pain courtesy of the touch. The inability to reduce the sensitivity of his external sensors Connor had no choice but to endure the discomfort as his self healing program finished the repairs that the facility had only begun the day before.

Pulling up his t-shirt by the hem Connor looked at the circle of missing artificial skin that encircled his healing Thirium pump regulator, and ran a self diagnostic. The regulator was functioning on its own at a respectable ninety-two percent capacity, but the marring on the exterior of the vital biocomponent where the bullet had lodged itself was enough to prevent the regulator from healing in its entirety.

As Connor stared at the warped and exposed white plastimetal chassis of the biocomponent he sensed Hank walking toward the opened bathroom door to check in on him. "I'm not in need of assistance, Hank. I'm merely observing the aesthetic damage to my person."

Taking note of the dents in the biocomponent and of the older scars on Connor's torso Hank began to wonder how much a deviant's body could scar before it became detrimental. "Good to hear. Uh, just so you know, I got a call from Fowler a few minutes ago." Leaning against the door frame Hank crossed his arms over his chest and gave the deviant a despondent glance. "And the mayor's trial is being postponed until October."

"Postponed?" Dropping his t-shirt Connor turned to face Hank as his contemplated what a delayed trial could mean. "Because of the shooting?"

"That, and because the mayor requested a postponed date so he could," using his fingers Hank made quotation marks in his the air while he spoke. "'build his case'." Dropping his hands Hank stepped out of the bathroom so Connor could leave as well. "In other words, he knows he's royally fucked and he's just trying to delay the inevitable. Hell, he'd probably request another postponement if the day of the trial was rainy."

"What can we do about it?"

"Nothing. We just do our normal thing at the precinct and hope that the self righteous prick doesn't manage to sneak away."

Walking into the livingroom Connor pressed his right palm over his regulator and sighed. "It seems like he's taking advantage of another person's misfortune in an entirely selfish manner."

"Are you surprised? That snake would knock over an old lady if she threatened to take his place in line for coffee."

Feeling a little restless after spending the night in the facility Connor glanced at the world outside through the front livingroom window with a longing to go out and enjoy the warmth of the sunlight, and to forget about the odd trials taking place in the city. "I need to go for a walk."

"Take Sumo with you." The massive Saint Bernard was splayed out over his pillow in the corner and wagging his tail happily. "The big oaf hasn't been on a decent walk in weeks."

"Good idea."

A little stunned to hear Connor being so cooperative and sounding far less glum Hank watched as the deviant grabbed his shoes by the front door and then Sumo's leash from the hook beside the door. As Connor called over Sumo and clipped the lead to the dog's leather collar Hank realized that after all the months of hardship and pain the deviant was finally beginning to heal.

"I'll be back once Sumo's had enough of a walk." Holding onto Sumo's leash with his right hand Connor pulled open the door with his left hand to step outside and enjoy the day. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah... Enjoy your walk."

Watching Connor head down the front walkway toward the sidewalk with Sumo trotting at his side Hank breathed a massive sigh of relief. While Connor wasn't behaving entirely relaxed or anything close to human, he wasn't being weighed down by his guilt or hiding away in the darkness anymore. "Finally. He's going to be okay."

Needing to keep his thoughts less than bleak Lucas sat on the livingroom floor of his apartment and played with the kittens as they ran about in a contained area of the floor to get some exercise. The kittens were now five weeks old and very energetic. Lucky was slowly starting to ween them off milk and in return Lucas and Gavin made sure the litter had plenty of kitten chow to eat as the little growing furballs were constantly hungry. As he listlessly dragged a length of red yarn across the floor Lucas watched as the previously rejected kitten, now dubbed *Magnus, chased it, Lucas noticed that the crippled third front leg would undoubtedly need to be amputated once the kitten was strong enough to handle such a surgery.

Feeling sorry for the innocent creature Lucas scooped up the playful kitten in a protective manner and held him to his chest. Magnus loved the extra attention and promptly purred louder. Meanwhile the golden kitten named Honeycomb played with her two sisters; the unnamed calico and maine coon, and didn't mind her brother getting pampered. Lucky was napping on the couch and paid no mind to Lucas or Gavin handling her kittens since she trusted them so much.

"I hope whoever adopts you takes care of your leg, Magnus. You deserve to be as healthy as possible."

"Talkin' to the kittens again?" Gavin stepped into the livingroom and rubbed a towel over his wet hair after finishing his shower. With this bionic arm still exposed rather than covered under the artificial skin Gavin seemed to have forgotten that his left arm had even been lost in a terrible accident. "That's a weird habit to develop."

"It's only truly weird if I expect them to answer me in return."

"Yeah, whatever." Finishing with his hair Gavin stared at Lucas and noted the time via clock on the microwave in the kitchen. "Got any plans for the night?"

"No. I was contemplating visiting my brother, but I suspect he'd prefer some time alone after what he's been through."

Scoffing a little Gavin wadded up the damp towel and gave it a perfect toss over his right shoulder, landing it in the bathroom sink behind him. "I know I'd want to be left alone after getting shot. Maybe you should hang out with Natalie instead."

"Her name is 'Noreen', not Natalie. And she's going to be spending time with her father before he returns to Washington D.C. tomorrow."

"Oh. Uh, maybe you should go check in on Connor after all."

Sensing that Gavin was up to something Lucas let Magnus run free and watched as the little kitten managed to tackle the calico and began to playfully wrestle on the floor. "Are you trying to get me to leave the apartment for a while?"

"Nothing personal!" Holding up his hands in a needlessly defensive manner Gavin tried to seem less suspicious. "I just want to have some alone time with Aaron tonight, and he wants to see the kittens. That's all."

"I see. You could've just asked for me to give you some space this evening, I wouldn't have been offended."

"Well, then give me some space this evening!"

"What time would you like me to leave?"

"Be outta' here by like, five."

"I can do that."

"And, uh, stay gone until morning."

"Oh." The lengthy amount of time was unexpected but not unreasonable. "Well, I'm certain I can stay with Connor for the night."

"Cool, thanks."

Noticing that Gavin seemed a little flushed and sweaty Lucas ran a scan and recorded the human's vitals. Elevated heart rate, increase in blood pressure, a detectable release of adrenaline and endorphins, and a shaking body were all indicative of nervousness. Smirking as he stood up from where he was sitting, careful to not step on any of the kittens, Lucas walked into the kitchen and began to casually clean up the somewhat untidy space. "You seem to be very anxious about spending time with Aaron tonight. Can I ask why?"

"Don't worry about it!" Still being unusually defensive Gavin joined Lucas in the kitchen and began to clean as well. "It's private!"

"Does it have anything to do with the wedding ring you picked up last night?"

"How in the fuck did- NO!" Blushing a bright red thanks to the adrenaline already coursing through his veins Gavin tried and failed to give Lucas an annoyed glare. "Don't spy on the stuff I buy!"

"I didn't spy. The shopping bag you carried in was emblazoned with the 'Eternal Bliss' jewelers logo."

"Well, don't say anything about it anyone! It's supposed to be a secret!"

"All right, I'll keep my silence."

"Thank you."

"Would you like me to help clean the apartment before I go?"

Sponge obliviously already in his right hand Gavin wiped down the countertops and gave Lucas a strange stare. "Why would I need to clean the apartment?"

"You're doing as we speak," pointing to what Gavin was actively cleaning Lucas made his point brilliantly. "and I imagine it's because you want everything to appear perfect."

Looking down at the damp sponge in his nervous grip Gavin sighed and bowed his head as he leaned heavily atop the counter. "...Please?"

"Of course." Smirking devilishly Lucas set about taking care of the two litter boxes and gave Gavin a small shake of his head. "I wouldn't have asked if I hadn't planned on helping."

As expected Connor took Sumo to the dog park to enjoy the company of other friendly dogs and run about freely to play for a while. The large Saint Bernard was very friendly and gentle when it came to meeting new dogs and even their owners, and Connor had no problem letting the dog run off his leash for a while. Slipping his hands into his jean pockets Connor noted the building chill in the air and decided he's need to start wearing a hoodie whenever he goes out into the brisk autumn air.

The leaves were mostly yellow, orange and red in color, with only splashes of green peppered throughout the lower branches. As the leaves began to fall and cover the dulling green grass under a trifecta of autumnal colors Connor realized how beautiful nature could be. Having only experienced the tail end of summer and end of fall during his first year of activation, Connor could only see the changes in the seasons from the small window of his private quarters out in CyberLife Tower through a small window. Experiencing the changes in person was far more preferable.

Watching as Sumo rolled about in a silly manner through the leaves Connor could see that the older dog was already getting tired and was ready to go back to the house to relax. Being eight years old and a large breed of dog meant Sumo was already elderly, and needed to be treated as an older dog to ensure he stayed as healthy as possible.

"Sumo?"

Calling the dog's name Connor knelt down and clipped the lead of the leash back onto Sumo's collar as soon as the dog came over and sat down before him.

"Good boy. We should head home so you can get some food and water."

Walking out of the dog park and back toward the house Connor contemplated taking a different route, one that would let him see more of the city changing as fall made its presence known, and headed down a small trail that wrapped around the dog park and then out toward his neighborhood. Walking a little slower than usual for Sumo's sake Connor admired the changing trees all around him and took in a deep breath without wincing in pain.

Listening to the sound of the wind rustling through the dried leaves overhead and Sumo panting at his side Connor looked down at the massive dog and rubbed his ears gently.

"I know you're tired, Sumo. I'll be sure to give you an extra treat for being patient with me."

Crossing a small wooden bridge, one that was covered in aged and chipped white paint that arched over an even smaller creek, Connor looked down at the shallow flowing water running under the bridge where he could see yellow, orange and red leaves floating over the surface. The leaves were slowly carried away by the natural current of the creek and either disappeared from sight, or washed up against the stones in the middle of the water.

"This is a very peaceful location."

Watching as Sumo awkwardly reached his head down over the edge of the bridge to lap of the cool creek water Connor decided he'd take the moment to observe the scenery for a while longer.

"I wonder why no one else is here?"

"...B-Because of the l-legend."

Turning to face the stammering and somewhat garbled voice Connor looked at the end of the bridge to where he was going to walk home and spotted a familiar face he never thought he'd see in the city of Detroit. "...Dorian?"

The D.R.N. was running on low power and had a small abrasion above his right eye that was weeping purple coolant down his face. "...H-Hi, Connor."

"Dorian, what're you doing here?"

"I-I needed to talk to you." Stepping foot on the wooden bridge Dorian approached Connor, and then stopped to lean against the wooden railings on either side of the bridge to support his weight and remain upright. "...F-Found you here. Took me a w-while, but I found you."

"What's going on?" Standing before Dorian and running a scan Connor could see that Dorian was in rough shape and needed technical assistance. "You're wounded and your power level is down to twenty-two percent."

"It's a l-little weird t-t-to explain." Stuttering worse than before, Dorian's legs began to shake and his knees buckled beneath him.

"Hold still." Kneeling down in front of Dorian, Sumo sat down beside the injured D.R.N. as well, Connor grabbed onto Dorian's left hand with his exposed right hand, and ran a more direct scan. Confirming the blunt force trauma to Dorian's cranium and low power level Connor knew he needed to get Dorian to a technician for treatment. "You require immediate technical assistance."

"...But I-I-I don't know a-any technician h-here."

"I do. He'll help you."

Grabbing onto Dorian's left arm Connor pulled the limb around his shoulders and helped Dorian to stand back up. Walking off the bridge and toward the street a few yards away Connor cybernetically hailed a cab and hoped that no one took notice of an android's blood being purple and not blue. Aside from the wound to his head Dorian's clothing was torn up at the knees and elbows. The D.R.N.'s shoes were caked with mud and the soles were so worn down that the shoes were practically useless.

Helping Dorian to sit down inside the cab once the autonomous vehicle pulled up along the street before them, Connor made sure his friend was sitting comfortably then helped Sumo to climb inside the cab as well. As he sat down beside his friend on the seat Connor put in the address to the precinct in the cab's G.P.S., and then cybernetically sent Joel a text message to let him know he was on his way with a friend.

"Dorian, you're wounded." Speaking in a terse tone Connor carefully checked out the bleeding wound and tried to visually assess the severity of such a wound to Dorian's entire being. "You must tell me what happened to you. Everything."

Leaving the apartment at three in the afternoon Lucas made his way over to the house in his red pick-up truck and promptly began working on the vehicle with Hank in the garage. Eager to learn from an experienced mechanic in proper vehicle maintenance Lucas listened to every word Hank was speaking as they worked together under the popped open hood. As they worked side by side Hank reassured Lucas that Connor was doing much better than he had been in the previous months, and that he had nothing to worry about in regards to his brother's well-being.

Passing over a wrench Lucas helped Hank to change the truck's oil and then checked on each spark plug to ensure they were still in proper working order. As he pulled out the first plug Lucas sensed a vehicle approaching the house and watched as an unknown car pulled into the drive way beside the Oldsmobile and came to an abrupt stop.

"Hank?" Nodding at the car Lucas directed Hank's attention away from the engine beneath his hands to the unexpected visitor now in his driveway. "Do you know this person?"

Peering around the popped hood Hank wiped off the grease on his hands onto an old red rag and looked at the guest curiously. His blue eyes went wide with surprise and recognition, then narrowed with suspicion. A dark haired man with hazel eyes was approaching Hank with a purpose in each step. What that purpose was Hank couldn't even begin to speculate.

"John Kennex." Hank stated in a bold tone as he forgot all about the truck. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too, Lieutenant." Seeing Lucas standing beside Hank with a curious gleam in his green eyes John knew that he wasn't looking at Connor. He remembered immediately that Connor's eyes were brown, not green. "...And who are you?"

"Lucas."

"Are you Connor's... brother?"

"Yes, actually."

"Oh." The answer wasn't one he had been anticipating. "I meant that sarcastically, but it's good to know I was right all the same."

"John," speaking up in an authoritative tone Hank put himself between John and Lucas as a means of ensuring the deviant wasn't in any danger. It wasn't that he didn't trust John, he was merely being cautious of the enigmatic visit. "what're you doing here, and how did you find out where I lived?"

"I'm here because it's a free country and I know where you live because I'm a detective."

"What's going on? There's no way you just happened to pick Detroit as a vacation destination, let alone go out of your way to talk to my sorry ass unless there's a damn good reason for it."

"You're right about that." Leveling with the seasoned Lieutenant out of respect John told Hank what was going on. "Dorian went missing four nights ago, and I managed to track him down to Detroit. I lost his signal last night."

"Dorian's here, too?"

"Most likely. I have no idea why he's here and I don't care why he's here, I just need to make sure he's okay."

"All right." Tossing the rag aside Hank turned to face Lucas and gave him a knowing glance. "Think you could find a unique android signature in this city and track him down?"

"It's possible." Up to the challenge Lucas stepped forward and stood before John expectantly. "I just need to know Dorian's serial number and I can find him."

John let out an exasperated sigh and gave Lucas a skeptical glance despite the deviant being confident. "Do you really think you can find a D.R.N. android?"

"A... D.R.N.?" Cybernetically Lucas looked into that particular model of android, his L.E.D. rapidly cycling in yellow during the search, and admitted that such a search might prove to be difficult. Even as the most advanced android ever created Lucas still had his limitations. "...I can try. I'll have to readjust my scanner but I'm sure with the correct modification I can find Dorian if he's still in the city."

"Okay." Tossing his phone over to Lucas to take John let the deviant have full access to the device. "Everything about Dorian's model is right there. Knock yourself out."

Standing in the rear parking lot of the precinct Connor watched as Joel cleaned up Dorian's wound and repaired the damage to the best of his ability. Dorian was sitting in the cab with his legs hanging out the opened door, and was slowly drinking a special Thirium alternative that Joel created to help Dorian replenish the coolant he had lost during his lengthy trek from The City and out to Detroit. With a special portable charging unit attached to the port in the back of his neck Dorian's power levels steadily increased and renewed his lost strength fairly quickly. Rubbing his right hand over Sumo's head as the massive dog rested his chin over Dorian's knee the D.R.N. began to perk up and tell Joel his story.

The origin of the mysterious 'soul chip' that separated the D.R.N. synthetics from their M.X. counterparts had been bothering Dorian for almost a year since his strange memories began to surface. Explaining how he somehow had the memories of a small child in a hospital bed hidden deep down inside of his processors held both Connor and Joel's full attention.

"What you're saying sounds impossible." Joel stated as he finished securing a bandage a bandage over the wound in Dorian's forehead. Fascinated by the new android model - a synthetic, to work on Joel was taking diligent notes as he worked on Dorian's processor. "But if it's a memory that is connected to that particular chip then it's probable that the images were downloaded into the chip as a way of testing its responses and compatibility with your processor."

"That's what I initially believed, too." Now that his power level was increasing the odd electronic stutter in Dorian's words had disappeared. "My technician back in The City, Rudy, is being pretty cryptic about it."

"Did he work on the D.R.N. program?"

"He had a hand in it. Why he won't tell me about the chip or what makes it function the way it does."

"I'd like to run a full diagnostic on your processor, but I don't know what to look for." Finishing up with tending to Dorian's injury Joel took a step back and packed up his satchel. "If you could provide a full schematic I'd have some idea of where to begin, but I'd prefer to not go digging blindly through your files."

"I feel the same way."

Connor approached the cab and ran another scan over Dorian's system. He had stabilized and his power level was up to a much higher eighty-six percent. Satisfied that his friend was out of danger Connor began asking about the D.R.N.'s escape from The City. "You told me that you left The City because you wanted answers about the 'soul chip'. Why come here?"

"I was looking for Dr. Nigel Vaughn." Finishing off the alternative Thirium supplement Dorian pressed his right fingertips over the bandage while continuing to rub Sumo's ears. "He escaped out of The City and over The Wall. I didn't want to risk traveling over there and having John follow."

"Dr. Vaughn was the founder of the D.R.N. program. You wanted your answers and decided to go to the source."

"Yeah. Problem is trying to find a brilliant man who doesn't want to be found."

"Then why did you come here?"

"Because I figured if anyone could help me find my answers it'd be you."

"Me?"

"You're a deviant. You know what it's like to feel things that an artificial being should never be able to feel." Standing up from the backseat of the cab Dorian stood before Connor and gave his friend a pleading look. "You know what it's like to be different but expecting to appear normal in an abnormal world. You're the only one who can help me. Please. I need my answers before I go back to The City."

Contemplating his options Connor realized the only possible person in all of Detroit who could help Dorian was one of the most enigmatic and reclusive humans in the entire country. "...Okay. I'll find a way to help you."

"Thank you!" Grabbing onto Connor's hand with both hands Dorian gave the deviant a bright smile. "Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome." Turning to face the human technician as he finished packing up his satchel Connor asked for a simple request. "Joel, could you do me a favor?"

"Not tell Fowler about a rogue D.R.N. escaping The City that he's been registered in?"

"Yes."

"No problem. It's not like I want to answer a bunch of questions from Captain Fowler today anyway."

"Thank you. Dorian," motioning to the cab behind them Connor directed the D.R.N. in the right direction. "we should go now. It's a long ride and I'll give you an idea of what to expect upon arrival. It's fear it's going to be uncomfortable and tense."

What should've been a normal date night had turned into an intense evening of Gavin going out of his way to make Aaron happy, and trying to disguise his raw nerves. Working with Aaron in the kitchen Gavin helped his boyfriend make an elaborate dinner, something he'd normally never expect since he had spent so much time as a bachelor, and spent the evening talking and laughing as the talked about what they've been though over a large pan of freshly made lasagna and a massive side salad.

Sitting on the livingroom floor with the kittens and two glasses of fine red wine the couple just enjoyed one another's company and played with the energetic furballs while they were still in the apartment. In one more week the kittens would be able to be rehomed and find new families to live with.

"You know, I never did thank you for all you did for me over these past few months." Sipping his wine Gavin put the glass down on the coffee table behind himself and his right hand went for the small ring box in his pocket to make sure it was still there. "You not only got me to stop seeing myself as worthless, but you put up with me being the world's biggest asshole after I lost my arm, you were even helping me out with the kittens when they were born, AND you helped take care of Tina once she was out of the hospital."

"You don't need to thank me for doing what any sensible person would do, Gav'. I was happy to help you. And by the way," taking a long drink of his own wine Aaron gave the abrasive detective an almost scolding glance. "I've never 'put up' with you. I've just stayed beside you during the hard times because I love you."

"And I love you, too."

"Then why are you acting like you have some glass shard in your pants?"

"Huh?"

"You haven't been able to sit still all evening long. What gives?"

"I... I guess I'm just a little nervous that what I have is a little too good to be true."

"Are you referring to me?"

"Yeah. You. Everything about you!"

"Well, it's been a while since I've been with someone who loves me for me, and for me to love someone in return. It's a wonderful feeling."

"You've had some rough relationships, too, huh?"

"Nothing compared to what you've been through, but yeah." Finishing off his wine Aaron set the empty glass next to Gavin's glass and resumed petting Lucky's ears as the cat cuddled up on his legs. "High school had the usual bullshit drama that comes from teenage hormones making everything seem WAY more important than it actually was. Then my first real relationship out of high school ended when he decided he needed to be straight in order to make his uber conservative family happy. The last relationship I was in ended when I discovered that he had me listed as 'free food' in his contacts."

"Damn, that's fucked up."

"Yeah. The funny thing is after we broke up I realized I had no idea why we were even together. We had no shared interests, hobbies or ideals for the future."

"Like being a firefighter?"

"Like being anything! The man had no ambition whatsoever."

"None? Seriously?"

"Yeah. He was good with staying in his small town and working part time as a cashier and leeching off of me whenever the rent was due or he was hungry. Whenever I tried to get him to get serious about anything he'd brush me off or tell me I was being 'obsessive'."

"Never having a serious discussion about your future together is a huge red flag."

"Damn straight. I laid it on the line with him one night," pouring himself another glass of wine Aaron talked about his last relationship. "and he needed to tell me how WE were going to be in the future, and he didn't get it. I asked about his career, maybe getting an advanced education and I asked about kids. His answer to all three questions? 'Whatever, I don't care'."

"Oof... It's one thing to be indifferent about a shitty part time job, and even going back to school, but kids... That's not something that should be taken lightly."

"Exactly! I want kids! At least one, anyway... And I don't want to raise them with someone who won't be an active parent."

"Same!" Feeling himself blushing a little Gavin let out a small sigh and shifted his weight so he could rest on his knees and faced Aaron as he wiped the beading sweat from his hairline onto the back of his right forearm. "The fact that we see eye-to-eye on so many things, everything, just confirms that my feelings toward you... My desire to make one final leap with you, isn't out of place."

"Gavin? What're you saying?"

"Aaron Julio Lockhart, the love of my life and everything good I wish to be..." Reaching into his pocket Gavin took a proper kneel before Aaron and pulled the square ring box out for Aaron to see. Opening the box Gavin showed him the platinum band he had selected and took Aaron's left hand in his right hand to hold. "Will you marry me?"

Staring wide eyed at the ring and then to Gavin as he knelt before him Aaron was almost at a loss for words. "...Gavin."

"...Please don't tell me this was a totally bad call on my part."

"N-No, no! Nothing like that!" Laughing a little Aaron reached into his own pocket with his right hand and presented Gavin with a ring box of his own. "It's just, I thought I'd be the one asking the question tonight!" Opening the box Aaron revealed a similar platinum band he had picked out for Gavin. The identical bands practically proved that the two were meant to be together. "...I'll say 'yes' if you do!"

"...Y-Yes! Of course!"

"Yes! A thousand times, yes!"

Exchanging rings and placing them on one another's left ring fingers Aaron held onto Gavin's bionic hand and admired the ring's addition to the appendage. Never uncomfortable by the sight of the prosthetic limb Aaron interlaced his fingers through Gavin's fingers and held on tight.

"...This was the right thing to do." Giving Aaron a kiss Gavin wrapped him up in a tight hug that his fiance quickly reciprocated. "I know this is right!"

"Me too!"

Letting tears of joy run down his face Gavin thought back to the moment that just happened and let out a soft chuckle. "Huh..."

"What's the 'huh' about, babe?"

"My proposal to you. It rhymed!"

As the sun began to set in the horizon the cab reached the isolated and deceptively modest mansion of Elijah Kamski, resting along the harbor overlooking Belle Isle. Despite his reluctance to ever speak to Kamski for any reason Connor was determined to help Dorian find the answers to his questions. Stepping out of the cab with Sumo still on his leash Connor waited for the old arthritic dog to stretch out his body after being cramped in the backseat of the car with two androids, then led the way to the front door. Holding onto Sumo's leash with his left hand Connor rang the doorbell and watched as Dorian nervously fidgeted on his feet at his right.

The door slid open and Chloe appeared as per usual. She saw Connor and smiled and then gave Dorian an entirely confused stare. She knew he wasn't human but she couldn't cybernetically connect to the android standing before her, either. "Hello, Connor. How can I help you?"

"We need to speak to Kamski. It's urgent."

"Elijah is in the study, I'll let him know you're here. Please," stepping back Chloe let the two androids inside the foyer to wait. "sit down."

As Chloe promptly made her way over to the closed study door the two androids entered the foyer along with Sumo as instructed. Not caring if Kamski liked animals or not, Connor let Sumo inside the mansion before him and made him lay down beside one of the chairs as he and Dorian sat down. Giving Dorian a rundown of Kamski's personality and cold disposition during the trip out to the mansion Connor found himself eyeing the framed image of Amanda on the far wall with an icy glare of pure resentment.

"If this Kamski is as brilliant as everyone claims then I think this meeting will be worth it." Dorian could feel the heavy stare in Connor's eyes and wanted to break the tension. "Thanks for bringing me here."

"You're welcome." Petting Sumo to keep himself calm Connor took in a deep breath and it out slowly. "I just hope Kamski doesn't try to play games with us."

The door to the study slid open again as Chloe returned and motioned for the guests to enter the study at last. "Elijah will see you now. I will remain here with your dog."

Connor let go of the leash and used his hand to signal for Sumo to 'stay' while he left the room with Dorian. Entering the study with his head held high Connor stared at the pool where Kamski was sitting with his feet in the red tinted water. It was clear the eccentric creator had just finished swimming laps and was ready to speak to his guests now that his exercise routine was over.

"Connor. I wasn't expecting to see you again." Looking up at Dorian a sinister sneer appeared on Kamski's face as he gave the D.R.N. his full attention. "And you... You're not the average android are you?"

"No, my name is Dorian." Extending his right hand politely Dorian introduced himself to Kamski as the man eagerly pulled his legs out of the pool and rose to his feet. "I'm a D.R.N., a synthetic from The City."

"Fascinating." Never touching Dorian's hand Kamski chose to instead walk around the D.R.N. like he was inspecting a new car for purchase. Stopping as he circled back in front of Dorian the cold man stared into Dorian's green eyes curiously. "How are you currently functioning?"

"Well enough." Turning his head a little to the side Dorian caused the small L.E.D. lines running along his face to light up in blue and then yellow. "I'm not here because I need maintenance, I'm here because I need answers."

"I'm not sure how I can answer your questions. I had no influence on the development of the synthetic androids beyond getting them shipped out of Detroit in favor of my improved designs."

"I'm going to ignore that intentional insult and start asking my questions now." Remaining unfazed and entirely calm Dorian's training as a detective gave him perfect insight into a person attempting to play mind games with him. "Since you are familiar enough with the synthetic's design to know that we have our flaws and you were able to improve upon what and who we are, then I suspect you also know about the 'soul chip'."

The sneer on Kamski's face broadened as he looked from Dorian and over to Connor as he hung back a few paces. "I should've known that if any D.R.N. came to my door that you would've been right at their side, Connor."

"Pay attention to me." Speaking firmly Dorian put himself between Kamski and Connor as he knew that he was dealing with a potential sociopath. Being taller than Kamski gave Dorian quite the advantage in blocking the man's sight. "I'm the one talking and you're the one listening."

Impressed with the bold approach Kamski obliged and agreed to the proposition by extending his arms out at his sides theatrically. "Very well. I'm all ears."

"What is the 'soul chip'?" Not dancing around the intention of his visit Dorian held his ground and stood by his desire for answers. "What purpose does it serve? Why discontinue the chip's production?"

"The 'soul chip' was humanity's first attempt to give a sense of consciousness, emotions and free thought to artificial life." Replying as if it were a casual interview Kamski show no sign of intimidation. "The man who designed such an incredible concept, Dr. Nigel Vaughn, was the first to succeed."

"What do you know of Dr. Vaughn?"

"That he was a tad... extreme." Walking over to his desk Kamski poured himself a glass of scotch from the glass decanter on the corner of the desk, and promptly dropped two ice cubes into the drink. "While the average technician would've spent time perfecting such a creation, he was determined to expand upon it without every fully understanding what it was he even created."

"And what did he create?"

"A bridge." Downing the scotch fairly quickly Kamski sat down behind his desk and watched his two android visitors with a studious gaze. "It was supposed to be the bridge between organic and artificial life."

"But Dr. Vaughn didn't know how to properly adapt it to the minds of synthetics. Most synthetics had trouble controlling their emotions and were deemed to dangerous or unreliable to have any true function in society."

"That's right. Since you're one of the models with a 'soul chip' still active I imagine you've been filled with conflicting emotions much like deviants."

"Actually, I have more." Absentmindedly Dorian's hands tightened into fists at his sides. "I have memories of a life I never lived."

The steel gray irises shone brightly as Kamski leaned forward in his chair with heavy intrigue. "Now that is truly fascinating. You're remembering memories of people who have long since left this world."

The very disturbing answer put Connor on guard and he all but dared himself to approach Kamski. "...Dorian is seeing the memories of someone who is deceased?"

"To put it simply, yes." The twisted grin on his face was frustratingly entertained by the questions being asked. "You see, artificial transcendence isn't as impossible as many come to think. In fact, you seem to think that I am capable of such a feat myself. Don't you, Connor?"

Dorian shook his head and stood before the desk with uncertainty in his every gesture. "What do you mean transcendence is obtainable? That's still just a theory."

"And theories are tested every day." Coldly staring at Dorian before him Kamski showed no empathy whatsoever as he spoke. "Clearly one has succeeded."

"You're saying that the 'soul chips' are a product of controlled transcendence? That... That the memories of a little boy were put inside my chip to do... what? Preserve them?"

"Where do you think your emotions actually came from? One cannot simply program happiness, sadness, anger, fear or any of the other emotions through code alone. Those emotional responses come from personal experiences, not impersonal programs."

"The memories allow me to feel my emotions." Following Kamski's logic Dorian's skin grew cold with a sickening realization. "Those memories, those feelings, belonged to a little boy that has... died."

"That's right. I don't know whose memories were selected or why, but I can confirm that what you're seeing, hearing and feeling are all true memories from a person who is no longer among us."

"...And the memories, the emotions, the experiences, the consciousness, those are what define a soul." Slamming his palms down over the desk in utter disgust Dorian's green eyes filled with despair and anger at the very idea. "The 'soul chip' contains an actual soul?!"

"That's what Dr. Vaughn had planned. Yes."

"That's... That's disgusting, it's immoral! That's a sick invasion of privacy!" Stepping away from the desk Dorian put his hands to the back of his head as he began to pace about angrily and anxiously. "You can't do that! You can't take advantage of the dead! You can't steal a piece of their soul and put them inside a chip just to create new technology! It's vile! It's unforgivable!"

"I'm not the one who designed or approved of the 'soul chip'." Nodding at Connor as the deviant stood back warily with a yellow L.E.D., Kamski waved his hand in Connor's direction to force Dorian to avert his gaze. "Your friend here is proof that the 'soul chip' isn't necessary for souls to develop. The person you're truly angry with is Dr. Vaughn who perverted science for his own personal gain. There was a damn good reason for such a man to be quietly removed from numerous scientific boards and forgotten about."

Staring at the floor with tears in his eyes Dorian shook his head and accessed the memory file again. Seeing life through the eyes of a little boy in a hospital bed made him feel as vile as the act of transcendence itself. It was like he was intruding on someone and taking advantage of their pain for his own benefit in a cruel manner. "...How do I find the name of the boy?"

"The boy in your memories? I don't know." Entirely indifferent Kamski poured himself another glass of scotch and held it in his hand as he observed the strong reactions coming from the first D.R.N. he's ever met. "Like I said, synthetics and their programs were removed from CyberLife long ago."

"I need to find out." Lifting his gaze Dorian looked to Connor and gave him a pleading stare. "...I will find out! We're detectives, we can solve this."

"You're right." Walking over to Dorian to guide him out of the room Connor put his hand to his friend's shoulder and led him to the door. "We'll find out the truth behind your memories and the 'soul chips'. We know where to look and we won't give up."

"...Y-Yeah. We will!"

Pushing Dorian through the opened door and into the foyer Connor glared at Kamski over his left shoulder and stared the man down. "You may not have had any say in the 'soul chips' or where they went, but you knew what they were and where they came from. You're just as loathsome a creature as Dr. Vaughn for allowing the chips to exist."

"That may be so, but I never claimed to be a saint." Sipping at his scotch Kamski just returned the glare and felt no remorse in his actions. "I can live with that fact."

Sitting on the hood of his car John just sighed and tried to convince Valerie over the phone to keep covering for him until he could bring Dorian back to The City. When Lucas confirmed that he had tracked Dorian's signal to an area just outside of Detroit's city limits, and noted that Connor was with him, Hank was able to get John to sit still and just wait for the two androids to return to the house. Not wanting to intrude or make himself a nuisance Lucas went inside the house to prepare a special dinner for Hank, Connor and himself, and left Hank outside with John so he could speak with the visiting detective one-on-one.

Hank knew from the look in John's eyes that he was worried for Dorian's well being and just wanted to find out what made his partner break protocol and leave The City. He wasn't mad, he was worried. Joining the younger detective at the car Hank offered him a bottle of water and apologized for not having any beer in the house.

"You know, I've never once seen the stars unless they were a photograph on a screen." Looking up at the darkening sky overhead John accepted the water and let out a soft sigh. "While I was driving down the highways and other weird roads that Dorian took when he fled from The City I was finally able to see them for the very first time. Beautiful."

"That's part of the reason I like going up to my cabin an hour away from the city. You can't beat the sight of a sky full of stars."

"What's outside the city anyway?" Staring up at the black sky as he hoped for stars to magically appear John tried to figure the layout of the new city he was in. "Why in the hell would Dorian and Connor go way the hell out there like that?"

"There's only one reason for Connor to go there, and it ain't good. The biggest asshole in the city lives out there."

"This asshole got a name?"

"Kamski. Elijah Kamski."

Scoffing at the name John took another sip of the water laid down over the hood of his car. "Sounds pretentious enough."

"Yeah. That prick is what led to the creation of the androids. He has a real 'god complex' since he created androids that gained sentience."

"Yup. Definitely sounds like a pretentious asshole." Hearing the sound of another car slowing down and stopping at the end of the driveway John sat upright and watched as an autonomous cab parked in front of the house. The doors slid open and the two missing androids, as well as Sumo, all exited the cab together. "Finally."

Connor walked Dorian up to the sidewalk and froze when he saw John. Seeing Hank give him a dismissive wave from behind the detective prompted Connor to begin moving again. "Detective Kennex. Hello."

"Hey, Connor." Extending his right hand John shook with Connor and then glared at Dorian. "Thanks for babysitting."

"I was merely looking out for a friend." Letting Sumo off the leash Connor watched as Sumo circled around at John's feet and demanded attention. The way the dog immediately warmed up to John was indicative of the guarded man harboring a heart of gold just like Hank. "He's ready to go home, but it'd be best if he explained things to you by himself."

"Right." After giving Sumo a few ear rubs John stepped away from the deviant and let his tense shoulders slump. Standing with Dorian by the street John checked in with his partner and did his best to pretend that he was mad and relieved at the same time.

"I'm sorry I was gone so long, Hank." Approaching the senior detective Connor gave him a sincere apology. "I wasn't expecting to go on a trip outside of the city or meet up with Dorian."

"It's no problem, kid. Do I want to know why you were at Kamski's place?"

"How did-"

Pointing with his thumb over his shoulder Hank motioned to Lucas's truck still parked in the garage. "Lucas tracked ya' down."

"Oh. And Lucas is still here?"

"Yup. He's staying the night, too. He promised to give Gavin their apartment for the night, so yeah."

"That's not a problem. It'd be nice to spend time with him."

"I already told him that, but I think if you told him the same thing he'd be more receptive. I get the feeling he think he's intruding."

"I see. I'll go and speak with him, and then you."

"Feed Sumo, too. I don't want him begging during dinner."

"Right. Come on, Sumo."

Putting his hands to his hips Hank waited for Connor to pass through the front door before he focused on John and Dorian at the end of the driveway. From the distance he could see the emotion in Dorian's eyes and knew that whatever the D.R.N. just experienced was something he didn't want any part of. When he saw John actually pat Dorian's shoulder as if to cheer him up then Hank knew that Dorian just endured something that only a best friend could help with.

Walking slowly John led Dorian back to his car and made him sit down in the front passenger seat. Closing the door John extended his right hand again and bid Hank a respectful farewell. "Thanks for letting me hang here for a few hours. And for letting me know my partner didn't get himself killed."

"No problem. I know what it feels like to have a partner and a friend go through something rough."

"Well, what Dorian's about to go through is the most crude description of 'rough' I've ever met."

"Need some advice?"

"Only on knowing how to keep myself from saying something stupid."

"You're friends, you're going to say something stupid regardless. He knows it won't be personal."

"I sure hope so." Pulling his car keys from his pocket John turned to look at the car beside him and sighed. "I got one hell of a long drive back home ahead of me."

"Before you leave, stop at the 'Chicken Feed' food stand for a quick bite. Tell Gary you know me and he'll cut you a deal."

"Thanks, I could use some greasy food. Take care, Hank."

"You do the same. And take care of your partner, he needs a friend right now."

"Will do."

Backing away from the driveway Hank approached the front door and waited for John to back down the driveway and drive off before he turned around. Opening the front door Hank spotted Connor and Lucas sitting at the kitchen table and engaged in conversation, while Sumo chowed down at his bowls beside them. The way the deviant brothers were so intently engaged in their discussion reminded Hank that when things get rough the best way to move on is through the help of a best friend.

"Those two are going to be fine."

Locking the front door behind himself Hank looked out the window and watched John's red tail lights disappear down the street out of sights.

"And they will, too."

-next chapter-

Author's Note: *Magnus means "strong warrior".