Sitting alone in the interrogation room Markus never said a word and didn't move a synthetic muscle as he wallowed in his deserved isolation. Refusing to speak to anyone but a lawyer, and refusing to accept North's incoming cybernetic transmissions, Markus stayed perfectly silent and miserable where he sat behind the desk. Feeling the cold metal cuffs wrapped around his wrists, the dark cool surface of the desk under his hands and forearms, and the hard metal chair supporting him upright, all Markus could think what that the cold indifference was all he needed in that moment, beyond utter despair.

Closing his mismatched eyes Markus remembered Carl's words of wisdom regarding an eye for an eye, and realized how he had failed so greatly that he wouldn't be able to come back from the depths to which he had fallen. During his moment of woe and fear Markus finally knew how it felt to be truly alone and condemned for a crime he had no chance of explaining to anyone who would objectively listen to what he had to say.

The hiss of the door sliding open made Markus open his eyes as a familiar face peered in at him. As she entered the interrogation room with echoing footsteps and sat down in the chair across from himself Markus stared at her with wide and confused eyes. "...Skye?"

"Hello, Markus." Sounding cold and embittered Skye gave the fallen deviant leader a terse gaze. Her L.E.D. was an icy blue color as it cycled calmly in her right temple. "I'm your lawyer."

"...You?"

"Yes, me."

"Because you're a deviant?"

"That, and because no self respecting defense attorney wants to be the one to lock up the famous leader of the deviants, and put a target of hatred on their back or get labeled as an anti-android bigot." Skye's answers were as logical as they were cold. Her long brunette hair had been pulled up into a bun behind her head and she was wearing a black blazer over top of a white blouse, a matching black skirt and black pumps. She truly looked the part of the classic lawyer. "As a fellow deviant I can give you a defense that won't reek of conspiracy, and since I know you're innocent I can defend you with a clear conscience."

Markus stared at Skye and shook his head sadly as he chose to speak with her cybernetically to ensure that no one possibly in the neighboring observation room overlooking interrogation could eavesdrop on their conversation. 'What makes you so sure that I'm innocent?'

'Aside from the evidence of your mansion's security system confirming that you were there during the time of the assaults,' she stated in a cold voice even inside Markus's mind. 'I know who really assaulted those three men.'

Such a response made Markus's brow arch inquisitively. '...Who are you talking about?'

'It was Connor.' The ice in her voice melted for a moment as if she didn't want to implicate Connor in any way. 'He told me what he had done weeks ago.'

Tensing up the moment Connor's name was uttered Markus could feel and hear his heart thundering in his chest. 'What did he tell you?'

'Markus, don't even try to act like he didn't do anything. He told me everything you said in your confession, and I know he told you, too. That's why you knew about the words carved into their foreheads.'

'We're not friends, Skye. He never talks to me and he'd have no reason to confess a crime to me.'

'Then how did he know what was going on unless he was there?'

'I'm not necessarily saying he wasn't there, but I will confirm that I was in fact there that night.'

Skye stared at Markus for a moment as she considered his words and began working on a new theory regarding what could have happened that night in the forest. A strange cold reality settled in her mind as she figured out what the other cops hadn't considered due to a lack of key evidence. '...Are you saying that the men are right about there being two assailants that night?'

'All I will say is that I was the one who came up with the plan, and I'm the one who plotted the revenge. I did it, Skye.' Turning his right hand so it was resting palm up on the desk's surface Markus retracted his artificial skin and exposed the white plastimetal beneath. 'I'm guilty and I'll show you my memories to prove it.'

Hesitating at the offer Skye's blue L.E.D. flashed to yellow and she pulled her hands back to cross her arms over her chest. 'I don't understand. You won't admit to working with Connor, even though I know for a Connor was there that night, and now you're going to let me see your memories. What're you trying to prove?'

'That I'm the one who's solely responsible for what happened that night. If anyone deserves to go to prison and be charged with the assaults, it's me.'

'Why would you sacrifice your own life and future for someone you don't get along with? What're you not telling me?'

'I'm telling you that what happened that night only happened because it was my idea. Connor knows what happened because I'm the one who dragged him into this mess.' As the truth came forward Markus felt only a twinge of relief settle into his broken and conflicted heart. 'Let me show you that I'm the one responsible for that night, and if you want to drop me as a client after you see the truth, then I'll understand.'

Staring at Markus's hand as if it were covered in poison Skye lowered her arms from her chest and slowly took hold of his exposed right hand with her left hand. Connecting her mind to his, Skye was able to see the memories of that fateful night as Markus gave her access to the truth.

Choosing only the memories that wouldn't condemn Connor in any way Markus showed Skye everything she actually needed to see.

Through Markus's eyes and with her L.E.D. glowing red, Skye watched as the deviant leader stood outside the precinct and approached Connor with the plan already in mind. She could see the anger, the fear and the hesitation in Connor's brown eyes as he listened to Markus's words. She then saw Markus walking through the forest and locating the men at the campsite. Wanting to break away from Markus's mind as she sensed the heavy emotions coming from the fallen deviant leader, Skye forced herself to hold on and watch as Markus tranquilized the men, bound them and then tortured them.

As she saw Markus carving the ugly word into their flesh Skye finally accepted that Markus was in fact guilty of the crime.

Letting go of her grip Skye pulled back her hand and stared at Markus with pure disgust in her hazel eyes. Her client was in fact guilty and as his attorney it was her responsibility to try to convince a judge and a jury to not convict him of his crime. '...You did it. You really did it.'

'I told you that I did.' Keeping his palm exposed Markus's eyes drifted down to the surface of the desk as he stared off into nothingness. 'Now you know the truth.'

'...Why didn't you let me see the other person?' Despite her anger toward Markus because of his actions, and how he had convinced Connor to do something so cruel and ugly, Skye needed to know the full truth. 'Why won't you admit that there was a second person there that night?'

'Because it was MY plan and I'M the one who planned everything. I'm not going to let someone who just wants to protect other people take the fall because I'm the one who let hatred and anger cloud my judgment. What good would come from throwing a second person who just did the right thing behind bars?'

'If two people told their story and explained their reasons for the assaults then it'd help your chances in court. And if what you did truly was the right thing, that it was really about justice and protection, then the second person would have nothing to fear.' Too sharp to be fooled Skye knew there was an ulterior motive behind Markus's decision. 'What did you do that makes you feel like you need to lay your life on the line just to protect them?'

'...Because I deserve this.'

'You deserve to be locked up for the rest of your life? Why? What did you do that was so horrible?'

'...You already know.' Slumping down in his seat Markus looked like he was ready to throw himself down at the feet of an executioner just to end his pain. 'I killed an innocent person and I escaped punishment.'

'You're talking about the night you shot Connor.'

'He'd never charge me with his murder since he managed to somehow survive what I did to him. I deserve to be held accountable for what I did and he deserves justice.'

'So you believe that if you're found guilty of these assaults and go to prison it'll somehow atone for what you did to Connor? That's bullshit!'

'Maybe. But in the end I need to go to prison and be seen as the cruel and heartless leader I've become.'

'Connor isn't exactly a dove of peace. He's done some terrible things, too.'

'I'm not saying he's without fault, but I am saying that I'm the one who needs to be held accountable for what happened that night. Not him.' Lifting his eyes Markus looked at Skye and spoke aloud in a confident tone. "...He's not a bad person."

Turning her eyes away from Markus as she remembered her fight with Connor before pushing him out of her life Skye couldn't bring herself to believe that. 'He's a monster. He promised to never hurt another person and to never become the weapon CyberLife wanted him to be. Then he went and attacked those three humans and tortured them.'

'I'M the one who put those events into motion.'

'Yet Connor is claiming responsibility. If you both worked together-'

'We didn't.' Thinking of a quick and convincing lie Markus continued to protect Connor to the best of his ability. 'Connor knows what I did, and knows the details, because he watched. He didn't participate.'

'Why would he go through all the trouble of tracking the men down but not actually doing anything to them? Don't think of me as a fool.'

'He knows because as a detective he'd be able to help me to destroy the evidence and cover my tracks.' Sticking to the lie Markus was determined to be punished for what he had done, and let Connor be left alone. 'The blood is on my hands.'

'Connor knew far too much to have just been a bystander. I know he hurt them, too.'

'Unless any such proof is presented then you only have my word to work with.'

'You're honestly going to just give up, go to jail, and let Connor walk around a free man?'

'Skye, you don't know what pain he's been through. You don't know how much he's suffered.'

'But you do? You admitted that you never talk to him, so how would you possibly know?'

'Deviants gossip, and Connor works with other deviants in the precinct. The receptionist, Pamela, had seen how broken and miserable he had been as guilt and heartache ate away at him. North saw him walking the sidewalk in the rain looking broken and lost. The deviant librarian, though she doesn't like him, knows that he was devastated when you pushed him away. She saw him stumble blindly toward the library in the rain, only to walk away and disappear from sight.'

Being at New Jericho Tower, though isolated, everyone was very aware of what was happening in the deviant community out in the city at all times. Markus and Skye both knew of the deviant gossip chain running through Detroit, and often used it to their personal advantages.

Turning back to face Markus sitting before her Skye tried to discredit the claims. 'He felt bad, but he didn't do anything about it.'

'Skye, he confessed to his Captain and was punished in a private manner.'

Considering the ramifications of a detective confessing to such a crime, Skye knew that if it was true then Connor took a huge risk that could've destroyed his entire career, future and his life. '...How do you know that?'

'Pamela processed the file at the precinct. I don't know what his punishment was, but I do know it came because of his admission to something illegal. There was even worry that he was going to self destruct or simply let himself succumb to the damage he endured when he was attacked in the precinct, all because he couldn't bear the pain or the guilt he was feeling. Monsters don't feel regret or remorse. People who make mistakes, do.'

'I'm sorry, I just can't believe that.' Adamant that she was right about Connor being dangerous Skye refused to acknowledge Markus's words. 'Someone who can kill and maim is a monster. End of story.'

'...Then let me show you one more memory to convince you that Connor isn't a monster.'

'What? How?'

'I won't specify which day this happened or where it was, but I can prove to you that he isn't dangerous. I am... I'm the one who needs to be punished.'

Looking down at Markus's still exposed hand Skye reluctantly took hold and reconnected her mind to his. The memory played out with full sight and sound as Markus showed Skye the memory that would prove that Connor was not a dangerous monster.

The sight of Connor freeing the trapped doe and gently patting her side was something as sweet as it was unexpected. Using a knife to cut through the tight lines of the trap with one hand, and using his opposite hand to pet the doe's side to keep her calm, Connor managed to free the frightened creature from the illegal trap and reunite her with her terrified fawn hiding in the nearby brush.

'Is that what a monster would do?' Markus challenged as he broke the connection and regenerated the artificial skin over his palm. "Monsters wouldn't take the time to help an animal in distress. And a monster wouldn't dedicate their career, their very life, to protecting other people."

Taking back her hand Skye's L.E.D. cycled back to yellow as tears formed in her eyes. "...That doesn't change what happened that night. And I'm not sure if I can remain your attorney now that I know the truth."

"...It's okay, I understand. You have to do what you think is right and follow your moral compass. Don't lose your soul the way he and I have."

"For your own benefit continue to exercise your right to remain silent." Focusing on the legalities of the matter Skye refused to speak about what she had just learned any further. "Don't talk to anyone under any circumstances."

"I'll stay quiet. Thank you for seeing me."

Standing up from the table Skye slowly left the room, her heels clicking loudly over the concrete floor as she walked. Passing through the doorway and out of sight Skye fought to keep her emotions in check as she left the Eastern Precinct to process her next step carefully. What she said or did could potentially put the final nail in Markus's coffin, and she didn't want to be the one to condemn him to death.

Unsure of what they could do to help Markus in any capacity North, Josh and Simon all sat together in the isolation of the tower's rooftop garden to discuss the unusual matter at hand. North had been trying to get in touch with Markus but her every attempt at contact was dismissed until she was finally locked out of Markus's mind entirely. Even Simon and Josh were unable to reach him, which in turn left them stumbling in the dark. The rumors and gossip about Markus continued to spread throughout the tower, and with those unfounded tall tales against Markus the support for the deviant leader's innocence began to dwindle away to practical nothingness.

The seemingly only three deviants who still supported Markus were at a loss as to how they could help their friend. Word of the arrest was now the top story in the city and everyone was on edge that the deviants were going to revolt and cause violence in the city out of uninformed rage.

"This is bullshit." Swearing angrily as she sat on the marble bench overlooking the very flowers Markus had been attempting to sketch when he was suddenly interrupted, North let her opinion be known. "The city is using this arrest as a distraction from the mayor's case, and to use fear as a weapon."

"What can we do about it?" Simon was pacing anxiously with his hands folded neatly behind his back. "We're not lawyers and Markus isn't talking to us."

"We need to be in the courtroom to support him when his trial comes. He needs to know that despite what the rest of the tower thinks, we're still his friends."

"What about his case?"

"Markus is clever and there's a lot of lawyers he can choose from. He'll think of something."

Josh sighed deeply as he sat down on the marble bench beside North. "What if the same people who are using this arrest to get the public eye off the mayor sabotage his trial? We can't sit back and hope for the best."

"That's why we're going to the courthouse when he goes to trial. We'll support him and be ready to act as character witnesses if it becomes necessary." North was adamant in sticking by Markus until the very end. "We know that he's capable of making mistakes and can still be a great leader."

Simon's blue eyes narrowed as he came to a halt mid pace. "And the deviants who betrayed him and tipped off the cops. What do we do about them?"

"Nothing." Crossing her right leg over her left North responded quickly. "They had the right to do that, and even if we don't agree with what they did we need to respect the fact that they did what they thought was the right thing to do."

Agreeing with North entirely Josh was ready to play a pacifist role. "She's right. We won't do Markus any good by confronting the deviants who told the police about the crime. We need to focus entirely on Markus's well being, not tower-based politics."

"First thing we're going to do is gather what evidence we can to help give Markus the best shot at being declared innocent, or at the very least getting him a mistrial." Already focused on her mission North looked to Josh and Simon for support. "The mansion is going to be checked over by the police. Once they're gone we'll go through and make sure nothing was overlooked."

Josh put his hands to his hips as he made his own game plan. "I'll do a little research into our rights and the laws in regard to how deviants are presently being viewed in legal matters. Our terminals should give me some information I can use."

Thinking quickly Simon decided to use their records of the assaulted eight deviants to their advantage. "I'm going to ask the victims who are going to testify against the three hunters if they'll speak up on Markus's behalf. I'll be gentle when I ask."

North nodded and watched her two allies as they left the garden behind to enter the elevator. Taking the opportunity to let out a frustrated sob and cry on her friend's behalf, North curled around herself as she sat on the bench and stared at the ground beneath her feet. As she shed her tears North suddenly noticed Markus's sketchbook on the grass beside the marble bench's leg to her left.

Picking up the sketchpad North flipped it open and stared at the unfinished sketches that Markus had begun. Flowers, trees, the shore outside and the city skyline were all captured brilliantly despite being incomplete. As she turned the pages North came across another image near the back of the sketch pad, the only one that had been finished, and began to cry again.

It was a portrait of herself with "My Heart" written beneath the image in perfect calligraphy.

"...I'll find a way to save you, Markus."

Closing the sketchpad North clutched it to her heart and held tightly onto the images contained within.

"I promise."

Overwhelmed with his own thoughts regarding the arrest and the new case in general, Connor sat outside on the back patio as he strummed a somber tune on his guitar. Needing an escape from the tumultuous news regarding Markus's arrest the deviant detective sought the peace of the autumnal air and his own music. The nameless song echoed throughout the property as Connor let his thoughts drift and let his fingers move gracefully over the strings. Only aware of the backdoor being opened when Sumo appeared beside him Connor never stopped playing his song and looked up at the opened doorway where Hank was standing with a black hoodie clutched in his right hand.

Sumo grumbled once as he plopped down on his belly and pressed his chin over Connor's outstretched legs in an effort to cuddle with his deviant master. The massive Saint Bernard was quick to pick up on Connor's moods and always wanted to keep the deviant company whenever he was in a foul mood.

"It's getting cold." Hank stated as he tossed the hoodie onto Connor's head as he remained in the doorway. "Put that on."

Slowly Connor put aside his guitar and pulled the hoodie off of his hair to slip it on over his head before slipping his arms through the sleeves. Grabbing onto the guitar again Connor resumed the interrupted melody.

"I'm guessing you don't want to hear anymore about the bullshit downtown, but you need to know that Markus's trial is going to happen before the mayor's case." Hank hated telling the deviant bad news, but he didn't want to lie to Connor either. "They want to use it as another delayed tactic to keep that high and mighty prick out of the courthouse as long as possible."

"What about Markus's lawyer?" Stopping the song again Connor tucked the pick behind the strings in the neck of the instrument. "Has he found one?"

"Don't know. Didn't ask."

"And Lucas?"

"He's staying quiet and wants to remain as objective as possible by not talking to anybody about what's going on."

"That might be for the best." Standing up from the cold brick patio Connor held the guitar in a strong grip with his right hand and then rubbed Sumo's ears with his left hand. "It's rare for deviants to stand trial even after being declared living and intelligent equals to humans. We can't predict what might happen."

"Come inside so you don't get sick from the cold."

"Androids cannot catch colds in the same way that humans do."

"No, but you're not immune to sickness. Let's go."

Following after Hank through the backdoor Connor made sure Sumo was inside as well, and then shut the door behindhim. Stepping back into the warmer kitchen was a comforting feeling during an otherwise uncomfortable time.

"Right now Rourke and Fowler are using their influence to get Markus's trial processed quickly to keep the mayor from hiding behind this obvious distraction tactic." The way Hank spoke showcased his experience in handling high profile cases. "I can't say if that'll help or harm Markus's case, but I'd say he's pretty much fucked either way."

"Why's that?"

"He had over forty people giving his name to the police, and he confessed during the interrogation." Rubbing his right palm over his bearded chin in deep thought Hank gave Connor a fairly knowing look. "It's like he wants to go to prison."

"...I've noticed that as well. But why would he do that?"

"Guilt. He's feeling just as shitty as you were feeling, kid."

"I managed to overcome my guilt. Why is it just now affecting him?"

"My guess is he's lonely without Carl around to guide him. He doesn't have the man he considered to be a father to guide him anymore." Actually empathizing with Markus for the first time since Hank had even known the man Hank's entire demeanor softened. "I know what it feels like to be left without a family. It hurts and it makes you do fucked up things."

"...I guess you're right."

"Hey, we can't do anything to help the guy out. We're detectives, not lawyers, and even as detectives we were ordered to keep away from the case. Don't worry about it. It's not your problem."

"But Markus is actually protecting me. He's willing to take the full punishment and not even mention me."

"Kinda' like the way you were trying to put all the ills of the world on your own shoulders, huh?"

"...Maybe."

"As far as we know Markus is actually laying the groundwork for a brilliant defense and we just don't know what he's up to."

"What if he's just given up? I may not like or trust him, but he deserves a fair trial."

"Be patient. I'm sure he'll..." Trailing off Hank saw Connor's blue L.E.D. suddenly flicker rapidly in yellow as the deviant's expression flashed to utter surprise, if not confusion. "Kid? What's up?"

"I... I need to go. I have to speak with someone important."

Picking up on the urgency in Connor's voice Hank wanted to help him out during that confusing time. "Need a ride?"

"...Y-Yeah. That might be for the best."

"All right, where are we going?"

"Do you know of a place called 'The Wright Stop'?"

"Yeah, that's a bar that a bunch of lawyers-" Stopping mid sentence Hank's blue eyes flashed brightly with concern. "Who are you going to meet up with?"

"...Markus's lawyer."

"Ah, fuck. This can't be good." Contemplating the situation for a moment Hank's brow suddenly arched with intrigue. "Then again, if you're being asked to meet at a bar instead of a precinct or a law firm, that might be a good sign."

"Perhaps. But I can't say for certain until I actually meet with them."

"There's only one way to find out. Let's get ya' out there and finally figure out what the hell's going on."

Nestled in a corner of the somewhat busy lawyer-centric bar, Skye stared at the wine glass filled with the blue tinted special Thirium-based wine in the shining clear glass atop the table, and contemplated drinking it before Connor arrived. It had been weeks since she pushed him away and demanded that he never speak to her again, and now that she truly needed his help she felt an immense weight of guilt and anxiety. Slowly spinning the wine in a circle by holding the stem between her right fingertips and thumb Skye waited for the deviant detective to arrive.

Glancing up at the doors Skye saw Connor walking toward the glass doors and stepping inside very slowly and quietly. His eyes swept over the bar quickly and spotted Skye in the far corner of the establishment, and his eyes locked with her eyes. Even from the distance Skye could see the lingering pain in his eyes that made her heart ache.

Keeping his head low Connor walked over to the small private corner and sat down on the opposite side of the table from Skye. Hunched forward with his arms resting atop the table Connor stared at the full wine glass in Skye's hand while keeping quiet.

"Thank you for coming, Connor."

"...You said you were taking on his case." The low tone of voice amplified his glum mood. "I assume it's important for me to be here."

'Connor, I know what happened that night.' Resorting to cybernetic communication to keep things as discreet as possible while surrounded by other lawyers. 'He told me everything regarding the assaults, but he didn't say a single thing about working with a partner. He never mentioned you.'

'...I see.'

'I'm not asking you to confess to the crime or try to reason with Markus. I wouldn't ask anyone to sacrifice themself like that.'

Forcing his gaze upward from the glass of wine and to Skye's eyes Connor stared at her with complete puzzlement. '...Then why did you want to speak with me?'

'Because I want you to testify for Markus as a character witness in his defense.'

'...Me? Why?'

'You and Markus don't see eye-to-eye, this isn't a secret in the deviant community, and you're a detective. If you can vouch for the security program at the mansion working properly and solidifying Markus's alibi, then I know I can get him off the hook. No one can discredit an active surveillance system tracking his every movement during the time of the assaults.'

'Skye, I can't do that. I can't work on this case, let alone handle any evidence." Replying honestly Connor didn't want to do anything that might make things worse for Markus. 'It won't work.'

'Shit... I didn't know that.'

Nodding once Connor slowly rose to his seat to take his leave of the bar. 'I'm sorry for wasting your time, I wish I could've been of help.'

"Wait!" Speaking out loud Skye grabbed onto Connor's right wrist to keep him from leaving in a desperate grip. "Please... Not yet."

Staring at her hand wrapped around wrist Connor's L.E.D. cycled between blue and yellow while Skye's L.E.D. did the same. "...All right." Sitting back down Connor pushed aside his confusion and discomfort as he agreed to speak a little while longer. Not pulling his arm away from Skye's grip he sat at the booth he put on a brave face and just listened to her. "...How else can I help?"

"This isn't about the case, this is about us."

"...Us how? I've done what you asked and I've left you alone."

"I know. And... I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you away like that."

Keeping silent Connor's hands tightened into fists as they rested atop the table again.

"You were trying to help me, and you did. You were even willing to step and raise..." Unable to finish her sentence Skye let it just hang in the air until Connor picked up the conversation for himself.

"Yes, and I would've done so for as long as you would've let me. Then I frightened you when you learned of... the truth. You had every reason to react so strongly against me."

"Only to the deed itself, not to you. What you did wasn't malicious or selfish, it was thought out and selfless. You were trying to protect your people and you wanted to protect me." Tightening her hand around Connor's wrist Skye began to shed tears of remorse. "I was so angry, confused, scared and frustrated with what I went through that I took it all out on you. It wasn't your fault and I'm so sorry for what I said to you. You're not a monster, you're a guardian."

Feeling his heart tense in his chest Connor closed his eyes and turned his head away from Skye as if he could somehow deflect her words. "...You don't have to apologize."

"I do! And I mean it, I'm so sorry. I never should've said that to you, I know I hurt you so much and I... Please! Forgive me! I am so sorry! You didn't deserve that under any circumstances."

Slowly pulling his arm from her grip Connor stood up again to take his leave of the bar and return home. "...I forgive you, Skye. Excuse me."

Letting go of Connor's arm Skye watched as the deviant walked away from the bar with his head down and his shoulders slumped. Passing through the glass doors Connor walked down the sidewalk and made his way back to the Oldsmobile where Hank had parked and was waiting for his return.

"...I hope you believe me, Connor. You didn't deserve that."

Downing her wine quickly Skye let out a somber sigh and wiped away the tears welling up in her eyes.

"I really am sorry for what I said to you. You're a good person."

-next chapter-